Cal Poly Strengthens Midfield with Grad Transfer Newman, Freshman Lambert
4/22/2026 2:22:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Our 2026 incoming class is a perfect example of the culture, talent and identity we’re continuing to build at Cal Poly. Academically, our school is defined by its ‘Learn By Doing’ philosophy and we try to apply that same mindset to recruiting, seeking the best young talent in California and giving them the opportunity to step onto the field and make an immediate impact.- Oige Kennedy, Cal Poly Head Coach
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Pairing graduate student Brandon Newman’s four years of experience from Columbia with freshman Liam Lambert’s MLS academy background at LAFC and national team tenure, the Cal Poly men’s soccer program bolstered its midfield ahead of August’s preseason training camp.
Newman, a native of Old Tappen, N.J., started during half of his 44 appearances at Columbia (2022-25) while producing two assists last fall and scoring his first collegiate goal during a 3-1 victory versus Harvard. Newman also recorded two assists during a 2023 sophomore season in which he started a career best 10 times in 12 appearances. He made a collegiate best 15 appearances as a freshman in 2022.
“Brandon is a dynamic central midfielder who brings both quality and experience to our program. He covers every blade of grass with relentless energy and is perfectly suited to our style of play,” said fourth-year Cal Poly head coach Oige Kennedy of Newman, who also spent time with the New York Red Bulls Academy prior to Columbia. “Brandon is technically sharp, fearless in tight spaces and always confident on the ball. He can help us control the game and create opportunities.
“Off the field, Brandon’s a dedicated student-athlete who proves that hard work opens doors. We’re excited to get him on campus. His talent, drive and mindset make him a perfect fit for our program and we can’t wait to see him in action.”
Bringing four years of experience from Columbia, welcome to the stampede, Brandon!#RideHigh
— Cal Poly Men’s Soccer (@CPMensSoccer) April 22, 2026
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This class represents exactly what we want our program to be: competitive, driven and committed to excellence both on and off the field. Each player brings unique talent, athleticism and character. Collectively, they embodied our identity. Cal Poly soccer is about more than results – it’s about building players, leaders and a team identity that lasts. With this group, we’re confident that the future is bright and we’re excited to get to work with each and every one of them.Oige Kennedy
Lambert arrives at Cal Poly from LAFC’s MLS NEXT squad where he earned U15 MVP academy honors in 2023. A native of Camarillo, Calif., and Malibu HS graduate, Lambert is a previous invitee to the United States Boys U15 National Team training camp.
“Adding Liam to our incoming class is another step in our commitment to bringing California’s top talent to Cal Poly,” Kennedy said. “Liam is one of the most dynamic central midfielders we’ve seen. He’s relentless in covering ground, confident in possession and always looking to hurt opponents. Liam comes to us from a top LAFC MLS academy team and has youth national team experience. We’re excited to work with Liam and can’t wait to see him reach his full potential as a top collegiate player.”
- MLS NEXT experience @LAFC ??
— Cal Poly Men’s Soccer (@CPMensSoccer) April 22, 2026
- United States Boys U15 National Team ??
Welcome to the stampede, Liam!#RideHigh
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