X-Men Soccer Makes History
/The 2026 X-Men soccer season was one for the record books. For the first time in 72 years, the X-Men opened their season with 10 consecutive wins, establishing the longest winning streak in StFX history and surpassing the previous record of nine straight wins set by the 2010 team.
With a young, fast-paced team, the X-Men demonstrated strong depth as incoming recruits stepped up to fill the shoes of graduated veterans from the 2025 season. Through dedication, teamwork, and consistent performances, the team quickly established itself as one of the top programs within the AUS. Entering the semifinal, the X-Men were ranked second in the country.
The team’s success was reflected also within individual accomplishments, with four players earning AUS First Team All-Star honours: Aidan Nielsen (striker), Ayouba Kamara (striker), Nico Goldsztein (midfielder) and Ethan Larsen (defender). Isaac Vanwychen (midfielder) and Adam Isovic (goalkeeper) were also recognized as Second Team AUS All-Stars. Adding to the team’s accomplishments, first-year business student Aidan Nielsen, from Delta, British Columbia, was named AUS Rookie of the Year ahead of the conference playoffs.
Head coach Graham Kennedy, alongside assistant coaches Brandon Dort and Trevor Reddick and goalkeeper coach Sam Diltz, helped bring the young team to success. Despite considerable roster turnover, the coaching staff helped the team adapt quickly and establish a winning culture.
The X-Men finished the regular season at the top of the AUS standings, securing the first seed heading into the playoffs. The semifinal matches took place this past weekend at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where the X-Men faced the fourth-seeded Dalhousie Tigers. The two teams had recently played each other on October 23, 2026, when the Tigers brought the X-Men’s winning streak to an end with a 0-0 tie. In the semifinal, Dalhousie struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the first half. However, AUS Rookie of the Year Aidan Nielsen was able to tie it up in the 52nd minute, bringing the score to 1-1. However, in the last minutes of the game, an unfortunate own goal put Dalhousie ahead, with the Tigers ultimately winning 2-1 and advancing to the AUS finals.
Despite the semifinal loss, the X-Men have plenty to be proud of. Across 12 games, the team recorded 11 wins, scored 30 goals, recorded 5 against, and accumulated a total of 34 points. Individually, Nielsen was tied for first in the AUS most goals per player. It was an overall successful season with great continued potential for next season.
