ProDeacs: MLS Season Preview and a Look Around the Globe

ProDeacs: MLS Season Preview and a Look Around the Globe

2/20/2026 10:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

11 Demon Deacons will get their 2026 MLS season underway this weekend.

By: Dylan Shackelford

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The next chapter of Wake Forest men's soccer excellence begins Saturday, Feb. 21, as Major League Soccer kicks off its 2026 campaign, featuring a strong contingent of Demon Deacon alumni across the league. From rookies making their professional debuts to veterans anchoring clubs, Wake Forest continues to leave its mark at the highest levels of the game.

This season, 11 Demon Deacons will compete in MLS, headlined by four exciting young players, a trio in the Nation's capital, veteran leadership across the West Coast and a Deac embracing a new opportunity in Kansas City.

Breakout Seasons Await
Wake Forest's newest professionals will make their highly anticipated MLS debuts this weekend, as Cooper Flax (New York City FC) and Harvey Sarajian (Orlando City SC) begin their rookie campaigns.

Flax, one of the most decorated players in Wake Forest history, signed a Homegrown contract with NYCFC after leading the Demon Deacons in both goals and assists over his final two collegiate seasons. A two-time All-American and ACC Champion, Flax is poised to make an immediate impact as NYCFC opens its season Saturday night at LA Galaxy.

Sarajian, selected fifth overall in the MLS SuperDraft, made an instant impression during his lone season in Winston-Salem and now looks to translate his dynamic playmaking ability to the professional ranks. He will make his debut Friday, Feb. 21, when Orlando City hosts fellow Deac Roald Mitchell and the New York Red Bulls.

Mitchell looks to build on his highly-successful MLS NEXT Pro success from a season ago and break into the first team this season. Last year, he led his side to the title and scored in the championship match.

Another Demon Deacon that has been waiting in the NEXT Pro ranks for a chance to break through is Dylan Borso, who will look to make his mark with Chicago's first team after a highly-successful season with the II's last year.

DC Deacons Anchoring the Nation's Capital
Wake Forest's presence in Washington, D.C. remains as strong as ever, with Hosei Kijima, Garrison Tubbs and Brandon Servania all returning to D.C. United for the 2026 season.

Kijima enters his third professional campaign following a standout sophomore MLS season in which he started 20 matches, logged nearly 1,600 minutes and recorded two goals while completing over 81 percent of his passes. His composure and high soccer IQ continue to make him a key piece of D.C.'s midfield.

Tubbs showed tremendous promise last season, starting seven matches and demonstrating elite defensive instincts with 12 tackles, 11 interceptions and nine blocked shots while completing more than 92 percent of his passes before gaining additional experience on loan at Loudon United.

Servania, now in his ninth professional season, remains one of D.C.'s most reliable contributors. He appeared in 29 matches last season, logging nearly 2,000 minutes while contributing two assists and finishing second on the team in tackles won. His leadership and versatility continue to anchor the midfield.

New Opportunities for Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris begins a new chapter in his professional career after joining Sporting Kansas City this offseason via transfer from the Colorado Rapids.

Coming off a career year in Colorado that saw him record five goals and one assist, Harris provided consistent attacking threat and creativity, ranking among the club's leaders in goal contributions and progressive carries. Now entering his sixth professional season, the Englishman brings valuable experience and attacking firepower to a Sporting Kansas City side eager to climb the Western Conference standings.

West Coast Deacs Leading the Way
Wake Forest's impact is strongly felt across the West Coast, where Ian Harkes, Isaiah Parente and Omir Fernandez continue to play vital roles for their respective clubs.

Harkes remains a cornerstone of the San Jose Earthquakes midfield, appearing in 29 matches last season with 27 starts and over 2,100 minutes played. His ability to control possession, contribute offensively and anchor defensively has made him one of the team's most dependable performers.

Parente continues his development with the LA Galaxy after appearing in 25 matches last season, showcasing his technical precision and vision while maintaining nearly 88 percent passing accuracy.

Fernandez will look to continue his recovery from injury after previously playing a key role in helping lead his side during the 2025 campaign. His creativity and attacking versatility remain invaluable assets once he returns to full fitness.

Overseas Stars Shine Across Europe
Wake Forest's global footprint continues to expand, with three Demon Deacons competing at the highest levels in Europe.

Jack Harrison, who recently went on loan to Fiorentina from Leeds, has already made an immediate impact. He will look to help keep one of Italy's most iconic clubs in the top flight as they currently sit 18th in the table, three points below safety. He recently recorded his first assist against Torino.

Mark McKenzie continues to thrive with Toulouse in France's Ligue 1, contributing to eight clean sheets while emerging as one of the club's top defensive performers with 20 interceptions and 26 tackles won. Sitting 10th in the table, the club is within striking distance of European football, four points behind a Europa League spot with 12 matches to go.

Alistair Johnston, competing with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, remains one of the top right backs in Europe. Currently recovering from injury, Johnston continues to play a key role for the Scottish giants, who remain in contention domestically and in European competition. The Canadian will also look to represent his country in the upcoming World Cup this summer in North America.

Demon Deacon Representation
Wake Forest's professional pipeline continues to flourish across multiple leagues worldwide.

Across the USL Championship, Wake Forest alumni Bruno Lapa (FC Tulsa), Nico Benalcazar (Orange County SC), Steven Echevarria (Colorado Springs Switchbacks), Jahlane Forbes (Las Vegas Lights), and Babacar Niang (Louisville City) continue to make their mark as the league gets underway on March 7.

USL League One features Demon Deacons Michael DeShields and Jon Bakero (Charlotte Independence) and Omar Hernandez (Chattanooga Red Wolves), while the MLS Next Pro ranks include Trace Alphin, Colin Thomas, Liam O'Gara, Andrew Pannenberg, Camilo Ponce, Leo Guarino and Prince Amponsah.

Internationally, Wake Forest continues to be represented elsewhere by Machop Chol (Ansan Greeners), Ema Twumasi (Piast Gliwice), and Ryan Fessler (Algeciras).

Built in Winston-Salem, Competing Worldwide
From MLS debuts to European competition and leagues around the world, Wake Forest Men's Soccer continues to develop elite talent prepared for success at the professional level. With the MLS season kicking off this weekend, Demon Deacons across the league will once again showcase the program's tradition of excellence on the global stage.