Brownwood, Texas – Howard Payne University men's soccer players Kolby Lara, Xzavier Saldana, and Adrian Villa were named to the American Southwest Conference preseason watch list, voted on by the head soccer coaches and sports information directors from each institution.

Lara returns after a career season as a playmaker in 2025. The sophomore recorded four assists, all coming within a five-game span for the Yellow Jackets. The Cleveland, Texas native ended the regular season playing in his 30^th match for HPU, starting in 13.

Saldana will take the pitch following excellent numbers from last season. The senior from San Fernando, California, finished as a First Team All-Conference honoree, scoring two goals and two assists for the Yellow Jackets. The senior returns just 49 minutes shy of 2,000 on his career for HPU.

Villa returns from Roswell, New Mexico, for the Yellow Jackets. The sophomore goalkeeper earned the nod as ASC Defensive Freshman of the Year after tying the HPU program record for saves in a season with 109. Villa was also named First Team All-Conference for his performances, including a 14-save effort at Hardin-Simmons on October 4.

Howard Payne placed 6^th in the 2026 American Southwest Conference Preseason Men's Soccer Poll. The Yellow Jackets will begin their campaign at home on Tuesday, September 1, against Dallas Christian College. Kickoff is schedule for 7:00 p.m. Central Time.