Athlete of the Week: Brian Lopez

by O'Livia Lopes '26 on September 29, 2022
Sports Staff


Athlete of the Week


The Providence College men’s soccer team is currently at two wins, two losses, and four ties for the 2022 season. On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Friars played Villanova University in their first Big East conference game of the season, and proved they weren’t going to settle for the 0–1 lead that the Wildcats had led in the first half. The Friars’ second-half comeback was made possible by freshman Brian Lopez ‘26 who was able to put one in the back of the net 75 minutes in, assisted by sophomore forward Thomas Tulgar. The Villanova match currently holds Lopez’s longest appearance in a game, with 40 minutes on the field. This allowed him to make one out of the three shots in, giving the Friars the equalizer goal it needed to tie the game. The shot from Lopez that changed the dynamic of this game reached the bottom center of the net, making this his first official collegiate goal. Lopez’s drive in this match proves his ability to show out and execute at any given moment.

The first-year midfielder has been a huge asset to the PC men’s soccer team eight games into the season, seeing a solid number of minutes out in every game so far. He started off his season debut strong with an assist against Colgate, the first game of the season, despite a close enough 2–3 loss that the Friars would eventually recover from. 

Brian Lopez in the Friars’ 1-1 tie against Villanova University

Before Lopez stepped into Fiartown, he resided in his hometown of Hialeah, FL where he played for Orlando City, representing Florida’s Major League Soccer team Orlando City SC. There, he was also a strong asset to Orlando City SC with a recorded 50 plus goals and 80 plus assists during his career time there. On top of the midfielder’s impressive credentials, he represented USA in the 2015 Danone Nations Cup World Finals in Marrakesh, Morocco. Lopez knows how to play the game and do it well in a highly competitive environment, as he has been playing since his younger years. 

Even before Lopez committed to PC, he was able to openly express his strengths as a player, while in the recruitment process. Lopez stated, “I am a leader and a playmaker with high technical abilities and awareness. I can create in space, make smart decisions, and defend very well.” All of what he mentions is clear in his playing time out on the field. 

Lopez has already experienced great breakthroughs in his first college season thus far, and as he continues to play alongside the rest of the Friars, he will be in great shape to do so much more for the college’s soccer program and in his career beyond.

 As he is focused on pursuing his ultimate love for the game of soccer, so is he with a business degree concentrated in management. The student-athlete is driven and bound to much more success, so it is safe to say that the PC community is excited to see what Lopez will add and do for the team. These Friars have the high energy and gifted players to take their recent NCAA tournament appearances even further than before.

Following this weekend’s 2–2 tie against Seton Hall, the Friars are ready to move on and face the DePaul Blue Demons Saturday, Oct. 1. With no doubt, as this season progresses, so will Lopez’s ability to execute more game-changing plays. Brian Lopez will be a name heard more often in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned.