NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has promoted Lucas Cordeiro to head coach of men's soccer.
        Cordeiro's appointment was effective March 10. He replaced Gonzalo Carranza, who in February joined NCAA Division I Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio) as a men's assistant coach.
        Cordeiro was Carranza's assistant during the program's first two varsity seasons (2023 and 2024), and the Gold Rush during that time were 25-9-3 (.716) overall and 20-4-2 (.808) in the Red River Athletic Conference.
        "I am excited and thankful to receive this opportunity," Cordeiro said. "Xavier soccer built a strong foundation the first two seasons. I look forward to building on that foundation."
        XULA in 2024 was 14-5-1 (.725) overall and second place out of 14 teams during the Red River regular season at 11-2 (.846). The Gold Rush were RRAC Tournament runner-up, reached the second round of NAIA nationals and were among "others receiving votes" — tied for 34th place with 17 points — in the NAIA postseason coaches poll.
        "Lucas played a significant role in Xavier's success the past two seasons," said Pat Kendrick, XULA's executive director of athletics and recreation. "His promotion to head coach is a reward for that success, his hard work and his skills."
        Cordeiro played forward at Oklahoma Wesleyan and was an NAIA first-team All-American in 2014 and 2013.
        Of XULA's 10 current head coaches, Cordeiro and baseball's Xavier Paul are the only ones with a Wikipedia page.
        Cordeiro is married to Ashley Cordeiro, who will return in 2025 for her third season as head coach of XULA women's soccer.

What others say about Lucas Cordeiro

Gonzalo Carranza, XULA men's soccer head coach in 2023 and 2024 and Bowling Green men's soccer assistant coach in 2025
        "Lucas is someone whose soccer journey I have followed closely for the last couple of years. It was a pleasure to share the sideline with him once again, and it gives me a sense of relief to see him take over a program we put so much into starting from scratch. The countless hours of work and dedication are now in the hands of someone I trust. He is an unbelievable coach with a unique set of skills, but his strongest attribute is who he is as a person. The boys' careers and the program's reputation is in good hands. A conference championship is overdue, and I can see it happening under his guidance in 2025. The sky is the limit for XULA men's soccer."

David Critchley, St. Louis City2 head coach
        "I've had the privilege to play and coach Lucas during our time at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. During these years, I have witnessed him grow from a talented individual to an accomplished leader within the locker room. Lucas has both the knowledge and experience to improve players. His ability to listen to his players and help them solve both on-field and off-field problems is a big strength. Lucas will thrive in your environment and continue to build your program to new heights."

Ben Williams, University of Houston women's soccer head coach
        "Having played alongside Lucas Cordeiro at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and seen him grow into his coaching career, I saw firsthand his leadership, work ethic and deep understanding of the game. He knows it's just not about what happens on the field, but the relationships he builds off the field. He has a natural ability to bring out the best in his teammates and players. Over the years I've come to recognize that he truly understands what it takes to not only build a successful program, but to help young students athletes be successful. His ability to connect with, motivate, relate and elevate those around him is exceptional, and any program would be fortunate to have him lead them to huge success."