FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis Men's Soccer team has expanded continents and unified countries from across the world. The 2022 roster has consisted of nearly 30 players representing 20 different countries.

"It brings all people together, as any sport. It raises feelings, it raises passion and it connects people one way or another," said Alessandro Florencia, a sophomore from Ecuador.

Over half of the international student-athletes come from a Hispanic country.

"It's a language within itself. I think people with different accents like, we have some Spaniards, we have some people from Peru, Ecuador," said Daniel Vaides, a senior from Guatemala. "I'm luckily from Guatemala, you know I can say that proudly, but it doesn't matter what accent we speak. You know, as long as we can move the ball together, you know like I said at the beginning, we're still family on and off the pitch. It doesn't matter," said Vaides.

On the pitch, or field, the different cultures combined enhance the team's skills.

Pato Carmona, a freshman from Mexico, echoes that thought, "I've been playing the same sport pretty much all my life, like a certain way. And coming here and just seeing how everyone somehow manages to play different but the same sport it's really fun and interesting."

Soccer also means an opportunity to further their education, athleticism, and happiness.

"It is an exciting time here at the University of Saint Francis," said Head Coach Jake Essig. "We have an administration that is very supportive of our international diversity. It provides such a unique flavor to our campus and we are excited to see what more we can do in the future as well."

One word became a common theme for the players we spoke with: passion. A passion for the game exceeds cultural boundaries.

The Cougars host a couple home games this week first with the Manchester Spartans on Wednesday, September 14 at 8 pm followed by the Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines on Saturday, September 17 at 12 noon. 

Cougar fans, stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.