Photo by: Creighton Athletics
Bluejay Men's Soccer Announces Four Additions for 2026
11/18/2025 9:59:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Omaha, Neb. -- Creighton Men's Soccer head coach Johnny Torres announced the addition of Mario Albert, Carter Derksen, Caden Johnson and Carter Tavares for the 2026 season.
"We are excited to welcome these four talents to the Bluejay family and look forward to the positive energy they will bring to our group, as they represent our community, program, and University," said Torres.
Albert, a freshman, arrives in Omaha as a midfielder from Castellón, Spain. Mario joins the Bluejays from CD Castellón, where he competes in Spain's prestigious División de Honor, one of the top youth leagues in the country known for producing elite-level players.  A midfielder from Valencia, Spain, Albert played club soccer for CD Castellon, he is attending high school at IES Louis Vives and serves as the captain of the U19 CD Castellon squad.Â
"Mario brings an intense, relentless demeanor to the midfield—impacting the game on both sides of the ball. His sharp soccer IQ, paired with a strong defensive hunger, allows him to win challenges, break up play, and immediately transition his team into possession," noted Torres. "Once on the ball, he showcases composure and clarity, delivering clean, purposeful passes that help dictate tempo and build attacking rhythm. His blend of intelligence, competitiveness, and technical skill makes him a valuable addition to our midfield group and a strong fit for the identity we continue to build at Creighton."
Derksen is a senior at Blue Springs South HS in Lee's Summmit, Missouri. The midfielder plays at the club level for Sporting Kansas City, one of the premier youth systems in the country. Most recently competing with Sporting KC II, the club's MLS NEXT Pro side. He tallied two goals and one assist over 23 appearances (including 10 starts) with Sporting KC.
"His experience in a professional training environment—combined with consistent competition against elite national talent—has shaped him into a versatile, intelligent, and tactically sharp player," said Torres. "Known for his composure, work rate, and deep understanding of the game, Carter brings a level of experience and soccer IQ that will immediately elevate our group in the midfield. His background reflects a commitment to excellence, and his addition strengthens our roster as we continue to build a program capable of competing at the highest level."
Continuing a long line of transfers from Iowa Western Community College, Johnson brings a championship pedigree, having played a key role in IWCC's 2024 National Championship run on their backline of the defense. A three-time All-State First Team selection, Johnson attended Glenwood HS in Glenwood Iowa and played club soccer for Gretna Elite Academy. Johnson was named the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference Division I Men's Soccer Player of the Year, guiding IWCC into the NJCAA National Championship Tournament.
"His time with the Reivers showcased not only his technical ability and athleticism, but also the toughness, leadership, and competitive spirit that define his game," added Torres. "A disciplined and resilient presence on the back line, Caden brings a blend of grit, intelligence, and physicality that will immediately strengthen our defensive unit. His growth at the junior college level—both as a player and a leader—has prepared him to make a meaningful impact as he steps onto the pitch in Omaha."
Tavares, is a dynamic Canadian talent and U-18 National Team representative at Blyth Academy. Most recently, Carter has been competing in Cremonese and Perugia, Italy within the Primerva 1 and Primerva 2 leagues—youth systems recognized for developing some of Europe's top pro hopefuls.
"Carter brings international experience and a high-level competitive background that will immediately strengthen the attacking side of our squad. Â His time abroad has sharpened his technical ability, speed of play, and tactical understanding, preparing him to make a meaningful impact at the collegiate level. Carter adds creativity, decisiveness, and substance to our attack," said Torres. "His ability to drive forward, combine in the final third, and create scoring opportunities will elevate our offensive presence and bring a fresh dimension to our forward play."
"We are excited to welcome these four talents to the Bluejay family and look forward to the positive energy they will bring to our group, as they represent our community, program, and University," said Torres.
Albert, a freshman, arrives in Omaha as a midfielder from Castellón, Spain. Mario joins the Bluejays from CD Castellón, where he competes in Spain's prestigious División de Honor, one of the top youth leagues in the country known for producing elite-level players.  A midfielder from Valencia, Spain, Albert played club soccer for CD Castellon, he is attending high school at IES Louis Vives and serves as the captain of the U19 CD Castellon squad.Â
"Mario brings an intense, relentless demeanor to the midfield—impacting the game on both sides of the ball. His sharp soccer IQ, paired with a strong defensive hunger, allows him to win challenges, break up play, and immediately transition his team into possession," noted Torres. "Once on the ball, he showcases composure and clarity, delivering clean, purposeful passes that help dictate tempo and build attacking rhythm. His blend of intelligence, competitiveness, and technical skill makes him a valuable addition to our midfield group and a strong fit for the identity we continue to build at Creighton."
Derksen is a senior at Blue Springs South HS in Lee's Summmit, Missouri. The midfielder plays at the club level for Sporting Kansas City, one of the premier youth systems in the country. Most recently competing with Sporting KC II, the club's MLS NEXT Pro side. He tallied two goals and one assist over 23 appearances (including 10 starts) with Sporting KC.
"His experience in a professional training environment—combined with consistent competition against elite national talent—has shaped him into a versatile, intelligent, and tactically sharp player," said Torres. "Known for his composure, work rate, and deep understanding of the game, Carter brings a level of experience and soccer IQ that will immediately elevate our group in the midfield. His background reflects a commitment to excellence, and his addition strengthens our roster as we continue to build a program capable of competing at the highest level."
Continuing a long line of transfers from Iowa Western Community College, Johnson brings a championship pedigree, having played a key role in IWCC's 2024 National Championship run on their backline of the defense. A three-time All-State First Team selection, Johnson attended Glenwood HS in Glenwood Iowa and played club soccer for Gretna Elite Academy. Johnson was named the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference Division I Men's Soccer Player of the Year, guiding IWCC into the NJCAA National Championship Tournament.
"His time with the Reivers showcased not only his technical ability and athleticism, but also the toughness, leadership, and competitive spirit that define his game," added Torres. "A disciplined and resilient presence on the back line, Caden brings a blend of grit, intelligence, and physicality that will immediately strengthen our defensive unit. His growth at the junior college level—both as a player and a leader—has prepared him to make a meaningful impact as he steps onto the pitch in Omaha."
Tavares, is a dynamic Canadian talent and U-18 National Team representative at Blyth Academy. Most recently, Carter has been competing in Cremonese and Perugia, Italy within the Primerva 1 and Primerva 2 leagues—youth systems recognized for developing some of Europe's top pro hopefuls.
"Carter brings international experience and a high-level competitive background that will immediately strengthen the attacking side of our squad. Â His time abroad has sharpened his technical ability, speed of play, and tactical understanding, preparing him to make a meaningful impact at the collegiate level. Carter adds creativity, decisiveness, and substance to our attack," said Torres. "His ability to drive forward, combine in the final third, and create scoring opportunities will elevate our offensive presence and bring a fresh dimension to our forward play."
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