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PORTLAND, Ore. – Another key cog for Portland Pilots Men’s Soccer announced that they will be back on the Bluff this Tuesday for the Fall 2026 season, with midfielder Efetobo Aror announcing his return for next season.
 
“One last ride. I am deeply grateful for the place Portland has been for me the last three years but there is still more to accomplish,” Aror said. “Being drafted by Colorado Rapids was an honor and after careful consideration, I have chosen to come back for my fourth and final year. See you soon, Pilot Nation!”
 
“Bringing Efe back for his senior year is massive news for our program and for himself as he will graduate with honors next December,” Portland head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt said. “Efe is a first-round MLS Draft pick, an elite competitor and one of the best midfielders in the country. Efe does everything right off the field and represents our program with class. His decision to return speaks volumes about his belief in this team, this university, and what we’re building here on the Bluff. Beyond his talent, Efe is a leader who raises the standard every day and having him back positions us to continue building off the success of the past while chasing championships!”
 
Previously, Aror was taken in the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, going 12th overall to the Colorado Rapids. Aror was stellar in the midfield for the Pilots in the 2025 season. An All-WCC Second Team selection this year as well as a WCC All-Academic Team pick, Aror played in 19 matches with 18 starts, scoring a goal and adding an assist. His goal came against the Denver Pioneers and his assist against the Wisconsin Badgers. His assist against the Badgers came on the game-winner. He was crucial
 
Aror is one of 10 players that have been drafted to MLS from Portland, with Paul Christensen (2018), Rey Ortiz (2020), Kevin Bonilla (2024), Jacob Babalai (2024), Buba Fofanah (2024), Nick Fernandez (2025), Joe Highfield (2026) and Nikos Clarke-Tocszak (2026) all being taken in the SuperDraft.
 
The Pilots put together one of the best seasons in program history this year. Their 14-2-4 record gave them their best winning percentage since 1988 (.800) and helped them earn the 8-seed in the NCAA Tournament. It’s the third time in program history the Pilots have earned the first-round bye and the second time under Carlin-Voigt. They advanced to the Elite Eight for the second time under Carlin-Voigt and third time since 1995.
 
They were one of the best teams statistically this season, ranking third in assists (56), fourth in assists per game (2.75), fifth in goal differential (31), sixth in win-lost-tied percentage (.800) and team goals-against average (.624), seventh in points (142) and points per game (7.05), 12th in total goals (43) and 13th in goals per game (2.15). Their 56 assists broke a program record set two years prior. 

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