The Miami Dade College men’s soccer team wasted little time establishing themselves as a team with championship aspirations, opening the 2026 season with back-to-back shutout victories.
In its season opener on Aug. 21, they defeated Millennia Atlantic University 5-0. They followed that impressive win with a dominant 9-0 victory against South Florida Bible College on Aug 25.
The team’s offensive firepower is pacing the Sharks as they start the season with a 3-1 record. Five Sharks have scored at least two goals, led by freshman forward Lincoln Santos’ three goals.
That new-found offense is a welcome change from last season when the team’s top goal scorer had four. The feeble offense was a major reason the Sharks finished with a disappointing 6-11-2 mark that included nine losses by one goal.
But the Sharks enter 2026 with a revamped roster, increased competition for playing time and a clear objective: win championships.
The team’s early success has given that belief an immediate boost, but head coach Giuseppe DePalo said the biggest difference isn’t on the scoreboard: it’s the team’s chemistry and mentality.
“I see people that are going in an upward direction, that are getting better, that are gaining confidence,” DePalo said.
That newfound identity starts with leadership.
Sophomore defender Daniele Malanga has moved into the captain’s role after serving as vice captain last season. Malanga has embraced the responsibility, communicating with teammates and setting an example for younger players.
“I learned to be a vocal leader,” said Malanga who has scored two goals this year. “I was not in the past.”
The Sharks also have several sophomores stepping into larger roles.
Midfielder Emanuele Serra hopes to bounce back after injuries limited him to nine games as a freshman. Goalkeeper Nicolo Sgura has stepped into a starting role. Both are focused on doing the small things that will help the team reach its potential.
“We are working to achieve that and become a family before a team,” Sgura said.
That team-first mentality is important with a roster featuring numerous newcomers. The Sharks brought in a talented freshman class that is pushing for playing time.
“We don’t really care whether they’re first-year guys or returning players,” DePalo said. “The best [players] are going to play.”
Freshman striker Hyeonwoo Kim is one of the newcomers who has quickly made their presence felt. He has two goals and an assist while adjusting to the physicality and speed of college soccer.
Forwards Shahin Biniazz from Germany and Jaedyn Chibanga from the United Kingdom are also contributing. Biniazz has two goals and two assists and Chibanga has two goals and an assist.
The Sharks’ depth could be a major advantage as the season develops. They hope to rotate fresh players in and out of the lineup to remain relentless throughout.
“Defense wins championships,” sophomore striker Carl Laurent said. “The mentality, just being ruthless, being careful, being strategic in the way that we move and the way that we play, can set us up to win those trophies that we want to win.”
However, Malanga said the team can’t become consumed by the idea of winning a championship. They must focus on the things that determine games.
“You have to worry about the single tackle, the single ball, winning that ball, the next ball, instead of thinking about winning the game,” Malanga said.
For DePalo, however, the goal is straightforward. The Sharks want to compete for a state, district and a national championship.
“We’re ambitious,” DePalo said. “We want to try and win every competition we’re playing in.The goal is no longer simply to rebound from last season. It’s to build a team capable of finishing it with a trophy.”
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