TORONTO—A new season is on the horizon for the No. 8 nationally ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's soccer team, bringing an updated roster and renewed expectations. 

In 2025, TMU finished second in the OUA East with an 8-1-3 record, marking the fifth consecutive season in which TMU finished in the division's top three. The Bold advanced to the OUA quarterfinals before falling 1-0 to the Carleton Ravens in extra time.

Built on determination and sustained effort in recent seasons, the Bold enter 2026 hungry to take the next step. But with the departure of several key veterans, such as OUA First-Team All-Star Justin Santos, the question remains: who will lead TMU's attack?

This season, the Bold will lean heavily on a returning core through the midfield and backline.   With no returning forwards currently on the roster, TMU will need contributions from all areas of the pitch, with its defenders and midfielders taking on added offensive responsibility.

Leading the backline this year is senior Nabil Hakim. The 2025 OUA East First Team All-Star started all eight matches he appeared in last season and provided a steady presence defensively. His experience and consistency will be crucial to the Bold's flow on the pitch.

Joining Hakim is Luc Ihama, who was drafted No. 14 overall in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft. In May of 2026, Ihama signed with Cavalry FC, giving him an opportunity to compete professionally while maintaining U SPORTS eligibility.

Now back with the Bold for OUA play, Ihama will look to bring the experience gained at the professional level into TMU's lineup.

"Being in a professional environment every day pushed me to raise my standards and improve different parts of my game," said Ihama. "I'm excited to bring what I learned [from Cavalry] into this OUA season and help the team have a successful year."

Fifth-year defender Luca Porfiris will also play an important role on both ends of the pitch. After a standout fourth season in which he began to make an offensive impact, recording two goals and an assist, Porfiris will be counted on to aid the Bold's frontline this year.

Further up the pitch, Brandon Verburg returns to the blue and gold eager to build on an impressive debut season. The midfielder led all Bold rookies with three goals and two assists, establishing himself as an important piece of TMU's offence. 

With opportunity awaiting the season ahead, Verburg will take on an even greater role, helping to fill the void in the Bold's offence.

Poised for a strong second season is midfielder Jamie Benayon-Abraham. The rookie went straight to work last year, pushing to create chances in the open field and logging three assists in the process. 

Now with a season of OUA experience behind him, Beynayon-Abraham will look to build on that foundation.

"This off-season, I worked really hard both on and off the field to make sure I'm coming into the season in the best shape and form possible," said Beynayon-Abraham. "Personally, I have goals for myself and obviously want to perform at a high level, but the biggest goal for me—and I think for our entire team—is to win everything we possibly can this year."

Entering his third season, Alexander Santillan will look to build on his breakthrough campaign last year. After scoring his first OUA goal, Santillan showed his potential as an offensive contributor and emerging threat in the midfield. 

One of the Bold's biggest advantages is in the net, with Dante Ferraro returning for his fifth and final season. The 2024 OUA East Second Team All-Star has been a key leader for TMU and will provide valuable experience as the Bold bring together this year's roster. 

After establishing himself as a reliable presence in between the posts, Ferraro will look to cap his Bold career with one final push toward postseason success. 

"After six years with the team, I want to take everything I've learned and all the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today and bring that into this final season," said Ferraro. "I want us to build off each other, push each other every day, and create an environment where everyone is committed to the same goal - winning an OUA and national title."

The Bold make their 2026 season debut across the city against the University of Toronto (U of T) Varsity Blues. Coming off an OUA championship, U of T provides an immediate test for TMU.

Game time is set for 3:15 p.m. at Varsity Stadium. You can catch all the LIVE action on OUA.tv.