Lynchburg, Va -- This past fall, the University of Lynchburg men's soccer team boasted not only one of the best defenses in the conference, but also in the nation and in program history.

The Hornets held their opponents to an average of just 0.57 goals per game, the third-best mark in program history and 10th in Division III last year. Additionally, the group notched 12 shutouts, the second most in program history and tied 11th in Division III. 

But the offseason didn't slow this group down. The stout Lynchburg defense continued to defend the 434 - but in different threads. 

Since its inception, the Hornets have maintained a strong connection with local club Lynchburg FC.

A group of four seniors: goalkeeper Thomas Viscuso, outside back Reid Rouse, center back Benjamin Velasquez and holding midfielder Keaton Napior all represented the Lynchburg defense over the offseason, playing for L-FC. 

In addition, sophomore center back and last season's ODAC Rookie of the Year, William Casey, joined the team for the latter portion of the season, nearly rounding out the entire starting Lynchburg defense.

Assistant coach and Lynchburg alum Josh Hinkle began the connection between the two clubs, playing in its debut season in 2020. Hinkle then took on the role of manager for a season in 2023 and has since encouraged his student-athletes to continue the pipeline and sharpen their skills. 

"It gives our guys an opportunity to play not only in the spring, but also in the summer with great coaching," said Hinkle. "The problem with Division III is we only get one day to play (live games) in the spring, which is the most important."

This past spring, the group of Hornets opted in to create a symbiotic relationship with the local club. Lynchburg FC, led by Liberty Flames goalkeeper coach Jake Berry, quickly made their mark. 

L-FC rolled through their regular season slate, going undefeated. Once the DMV South playoffs began, it was more of the same from the club. 

In the Championship match, the team netted two extra-time goals, one of which came from goalkeeper Thomas Viscuso, to force penalty kicks, where L-FC secured a 4-3 victory. 

With their fourth conference championship secured, the squad punched their ticket to the UPSL national postseason play. 

In the opening round of 32, L-FC captured its first national tournament win in the team's brief history. The squad defeated DC hyper, 3-1, on their home turf in City Stadium. 

However, their season came to a close in the ensuing round, falling to NY Braveheart FC. 

It's evident that the addition of one of the premier current backlines in DIII helped the club find success. What will soon become more evident this fall is how the club helped that back line. 

For Keaton Napior, this summer provided an opportunity to seize more live repetitions and gain more confidence with his abilities on the field. 

"It's a way for me to gain more and more confidence. It's a way for me to compete with myself and push myself, which is a very motivating thing for me," said Napior. "With one season left, I've got nothing to lose, I want to get it all out of me." 

Meanwhile, Benji Velasquez took this summer as an opportunity to continue to work on his leadership qualities. 

"I tried to develop my characteristics of who I am as a person, as a leader, as a role model...now going into my senior season, I know how to lead better," said Velasquez.

The two-time ODAC Defensive Player of the Year provided an example of a learning experience early on in the season. After showing up late to practice after an individual coaching session, he was pulled aside and told it was fine, as long as he was aware his actions influenced others and needed to realize he was looked up to.

"It gave me a realization that these coaches, the president, are trying to make me a better person, not only a better soccer player," said Velasquez.

While this group of upperclassmen has been with the Hornets since their freshman year,

Reid Rouse explained how the offseason work with his peers was invaluable to their chemistry as a group. 

Despite living in Richmond over the summer, rather than locally, Rouse continued to find ways to connect with his teammates through L-FC road trips on away games and conversations in the locker room during rain delays. 

"I feel like this summer gives us a chance to have the best defense in the country this year, without a doubt," said Rouse. "It (playing together) does wonders…I play better with Benji now that I know him better."

For the First Team All-ODAC keeper, Thomas Viscuso, this summer was a culmination of all the main benefits drawn from his fellow seniors, with the addition of crucial coaching. 

The experience and expertise from Liberty Goalkeeper coach Jake Berry provided vital mentorship between the pipes. 

"I think my confidence is a lot higher. The extra training and working with Coach Berry…That was one of the most beneficial parts by far," said Viscuso.

As a group, the team benefited from live-game experience in a competitive summer league, gaining valuable lessons through shared play. Facing older and more physical opponents not only challenged the players but also gave the coaching staff a clearer view of individual strengths in real-time action.

For example, Casey's strength in 1v1 defending stood out in particular, opening the door for more tactical flexibility this fall—such as the potential to push Velasquez higher up the field more often.

As the fall season quickly approaches, the Hornets come into the 2026 campaign with their sights set on competing for another ODAC title, accompanied with national title aspirations.The Hornets will likely lean on a variety of new faces up front, with more than half of last year's goal production now gone. 

Nevertheless, Lynchburg can once again anticipate to anchor their identity through a strong and experienced defensive unit. 

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