When Alejo Caceres moved to Concord from Argentina ten years ago, he kept his dream of playing soccer alive and well. A four-year varsity player for the Crimson Tide and now a senior on SNHU’s men’s soccer team, he’s about to play in the NCAA Division II semifinal.
No. 2 Southern New Hampshire University (17-2-2) will face No. 3 Midwestern State University, Texas (17-3-3) in Colorado Springs, Colo., at 8 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025.
SNHU has a strong tradition of fielding competitive teams. The university already has two national championships, with its most recent one coming in 2013.
The Penmen squad, composed of homegrown talent and first-rate international players, is playing in their first return to the final four since becoming champions more than a decade ago.
Caceres is excited to represent both Argentina and Concord on a big stage.
“Even in these nine years, it’s changed drastically,” he said of the sport he loves. “I think college obviously plays a huge part. But even now, professionally, getting big stars to come here and get more attention, I think the World Cup coming here in July is going to play a huge factor in that as well.”
He’s had to fight for his position as a starter his whole life. From being placed on the junior varsity squad at Concord his freshman year to redshirting his first year at SNHU, Caceres is grateful for the journey he took.
“It was just about putting my head down and working hard to make sure that the following years weren’t like that. And every single year it’s just better and better,” Caceres said.
He’s not the only local player on the squad. First-year player and Merrimack Valley graduate Noah Lakhdari has learned what it takes to earn minutes. He played for the Seacoast United MLS NEXT squad for four years and was recruited to SNHU, but this season has been challenging due to injuries.
Lakhdari still feels like the experience of being on a team like SNHU during a historic playoff run has been invaluable.
“I think from the start of preseason, the mindset has been focused towards the national title,” Lakhdari said. “We have a really good group of guys that feels like family, and a big thing here is, like, carrying on the tradition, so like keeping in touch with alumni.”
Both Lakhdari and Caceres said the team looks inward, instead of at their opponents, as the key to winning.
Head Coach Josh Taylor, a former New England College player, said it’s gratifying to have homegrown on such a competitive team.
“I think that’s what America is all about, opportunity, and we’re all from different walks of life,” Taylor said. “And I think soccer captures that, our locker room captures that.”
Caceres had to compete with international players and veteran members of the team to earn his spot, Taylor explained. The mixture of different soccer heritages and perspectives has only made his team stronger, he said.
“It’s been a great, great experience for me to coach him, and it’s just been fun to watch his journey,” Taylor said about Caceres.
SNHU will host a watch party for a free showing of the game at Chunky’s Cinema Pub’s lobby bar in Manchester. Fans can arrive as early as 7 p.m.
If the Penmen get a win, they’ll advance to the NCAA National Championship game on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m. EST.