The University of the Pacific men’s soccer program is already turning heads early in its 2026 campaign, earning its first win under first-year head coach Andres Ochoa ’18 last week at Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech.

The Tigers responded with a second-half surge that produced three goals in a span of over 30 minutes, securing the 3-2 victory over the Trailblazers for the program’s first victory of 2026. Ochoa earned his first win faster than any previous men’s soccer head coach since the Tigers joined the West Coast Conference in 2013.

“The feeling is bliss,” Ochoa said. “These boys earned it in the way that they did by not giving up and saying positive things to each other. The staff created and executed a great game model. That combination of both made it blissful.”

But for Ochoa, the win was about more than the comeback on the field. Since returning to Pacific this spring, he has been focused on creating a culture that challenges every player to reach their full potential.

Ochoa, who holds Pacific’s all-time assists record, has emphasized competition from the start, making it clear that starting spots are earned.

“The message was clear in setting the tone from the start and building a strong culture as a group. Not everyone was guaranteed a starting spot, so everyone was fighting to get better in practices leading into the season,” Ochoa said. “I had our leadership group read “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success” by Phil Jackson to help them guide our Tigers so we can be focused on the hard work and ethics we want to embrace going forward."

That work has helped shape the team’s approach heading into the season. Players have been pushed to compete for opportunities while also learning to support one another, creating a group that Ochoa hopes can continue to grow together throughout the season.

“It’s been great to be able to play under a great coach like him,” said Alejandro Caracheo Luna ’29, an accounting major. “He pushes all of us to be the best versions of ourselves on and off the field. What I’ve learned from Coach Ochoa is that there is so much to learn and to never be afraid of asking questions.”

That mindset was put to the test in the game against Utah Tech.

Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Tigers came out aggressively in the second half, scoring two goals in two minutes and levelling the score in the 53rd minute.

The Tigers continued to create opportunities while Luna kept Utah Tech off the scoreboard. The Pacific goalkeeper and Stockton native finished the night with a season-high 10 saves, including four in the second half.

Pacific completed its comeback in the 81st minute when Massimo Erfani ’26, a business finance major, converted a penalty kick after Utah Tech fouled inside the box, giving the Tigers their first lead of the night at 3-2. Luna made a crucial save in the 88th minute and the Tigers held on through to secure Ochoa’s first win.

For Ochoa, the way the team responded after falling behind was an encouraging sign of what the team can achieve.

“The effort, grit and competitive nature of those guys gives me hope for the future,” Ochoa said. “I’m proud of the boys for that win.”

Catch the Tigers at Knoles Field as they look to earn more victories throughout the 2026 season. See the full schedule.