2025 Fall Soccer Season Preview: Combine Academy
As the 2025 fall soccer season approaches, the program at Combine Academy is preparing for another year of high-level competition and player development. Under the leadership of Head Coach Brad Bagan, the team has continued to grow in skill, discipline, and visibility, establishing itself as a destination for elite talent with aspirations to compete at the next level. Coach Bagan and his staff have spent the offseason honing fundamentals, enhancing team cohesion, and preparing players for the rigorous demands of the upcoming season.
Offseason Focus: Developing Chemistry and Building Fundamentals
The primary focus for Combine Academy this offseason has been two-fold: developing player relationships on and off the field, and reinforcing the foundational skills necessary for team success. With a roster that often includes players from across the country—and even internationally—Coach Bagan emphasizes the importance of team chemistry.
“We’ve spent a lot of time this offseason working on bonding and chemistry,” said Bagan. “With players coming from many different backgrounds, it’s crucial that we learn to communicate and trust each other both on and off the pitch.”
In terms of technical development, the coaching staff has focused on sharp passing, movement off the ball, and intelligent positioning. These elements will be key to executing the fast-paced, possession-oriented style of play that Combine Academy is known for.
Summer Camps and Exposure Opportunities
Throughout the summer, players from Combine Academy will be participating in a variety of elite-level soccer events, including showcase tournaments, college ID camps, and national development camps. These opportunities not only allow the athletes to compete against top-tier competition but also give them exposure to college scouts and coaches.
“Our guys are attending events all over the country,” Coach Bagan said. “We’re focused on giving them chances to be seen by college programs and to challenge themselves against the best.”
Combine Academy also hosts its own summer training sessions and scrimmages, where players get additional time with coaches to improve technically and tactically. These sessions have become an integral part of the program’s success, helping players maintain sharpness and continuity heading into the fall.
Roster Movement: New Talent and Returning Core
As with most academy-level programs, Combine experiences significant roster turnover year to year. Several key players graduated in 2024 and have moved on to play at the collegiate level. Coach Bagan, however, is excited about the group returning and the new athletes joining the squad.
“We lost some very talented players to graduation, but we’re bringing in a strong new class,” he noted. “We also have a solid group of returners who know our system and what it takes to compete at a high level.”
These returners will play a vital role in mentoring the new players and ensuring that the team hits the ground running once the season begins. The blend of experience and new energy is expected to create a dynamic and versatile team.
Players to Watch: Rising Leaders and Breakout Candidates
While the team boasts talent across the board, Coach Bagan identified several players who have stood out with their offseason performance and leadership. Among the key returners is a central midfielder known for his composure and vision, who has already received attention from collegiate programs. His ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute under pressure makes him a key component of the team's tactical plan.
Another player to watch is a pacey winger with technical ability and the versatility to play on either flank. “He’s been putting in a lot of work in the offseason and is ready to make an impact,” said Bagan. “His speed and decision-making in the final third have really improved.”
Defensively, a returning center back has taken a leadership role during offseason sessions, showing growth in both communication and positioning. His presence will be crucial in organizing the backline and handling high-pressure moments during the season.
There are also several newcomers who have impressed in early training and are expected to compete for starting roles. These players bring a fresh spark and add to the team’s depth and competitiveness.
Strength and Conditioning: Raising the Physical Standard
Combine Academy takes a comprehensive approach to physical preparation, and the strength and conditioning program has been a key focus this offseason. Players have been participating in a structured regimen that includes strength training, mobility work, endurance conditioning, and injury prevention.
“We emphasize performance and recovery,” said Bagan. “Our players are lifting in the weight room, doing speed training, and following customized recovery plans.”
This approach ensures that players not only build the physical strength required for a demanding season but also develop the resilience needed to stay healthy and perform consistently.
Coaching Strategy: Emphasizing Possession, Pressure, and Positional Discipline
On the tactical side, the coaching staff has worked to refine the team’s identity as a technically sound, possession-oriented side. The strategy emphasizes quick ball movement, building out of the back, and high-pressure defense to win the ball early.
“We want to dictate the tempo of the match,” said Coach Bagan. “That means being patient in possession but also aggressive in transition.”
Training sessions have focused on situational drills that replicate game scenarios—counterattacks, defensive shape under pressure, and set-piece execution. The goal is to create a team that is adaptable, composed, and tactically aware.
Program Culture and Character Development
Beyond the field, Coach Bagan is equally committed to developing players as leaders and role models. The program promotes accountability, time management, and academic focus, preparing athletes for life beyond high school.
“We’re not just developing soccer players—we’re developing young men,” Bagan emphasized. “We want them to leave Combine Academy prepared for college and for the next steps in their lives.”
Leadership opportunities are embedded into the team’s structure, with returning players taking on mentorship roles and participating in off-field activities designed to build camaraderie and personal responsibility.
Community and Fan Engagement
While Combine Academy is an elite training environment, the team also values the support it receives from the broader community. The school regularly hosts home matches that attract students, staff, and local soccer fans, creating a vibrant match-day atmosphere.
The team also participates in community outreach events, including youth coaching clinics and service projects. These efforts help connect players to the local area and promote the positive impact of athletics.
“Our players enjoy giving back,” said Bagan. “It helps them stay grounded and reminds them that they’re part of something bigger than just soccer.”
Biggest Challenges: Integrating Talent and Sustaining Momentum
One of the challenges Combine Academy will face this season is integrating a roster that features many new players while maintaining the standards and momentum built in recent years. With high expectations and tough opponents on the schedule, the team will need to gel quickly and remain focused.
“Getting everyone on the same page quickly is always a challenge with new faces,” Bagan acknowledged. “But we have a strong culture, and our returners are doing a great job setting the tone.”
Consistency in execution and resilience in tough matches will be crucial if the team hopes to reach its full potential.
Final Outlook
With a dedicated coaching staff, elite-level talent, and a focus on holistic development, Combine Academy enters the 2025 fall season prepared to compete at a high level. While challenges remain in blending a new roster and facing tough competition, the program's structure and philosophy provide a strong foundation for success.
Coach Brad Bagan and his squad are ready to build on the legacy of past seasons while shaping the next wave of soccer talent. For players, fans, and the broader Combine community, the 2025 season promises excitement, growth, and the pursuit of excellence on every level.
Share With