Brevyn Cole Secures Starting Role for UMKC Soccer
The senior defender stepped into the starting lineup following a teammate's injury as the team maintains a top-five ranking.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Soccer
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Senior Brevyn Cole has emerged as a key starter at right back for the UMKC men's soccer team. His promotion follows an injury sustained by Kevin Nkumu earlier this season.
Why it matters
The transition in the backfield is critical for UMKC as they navigate a highly successful season while managing key player absences. Maintaining defensive consistency remains vital for the team to preserve its top-five standing as they approach the postseason.
The UMKC men's soccer team currently holds a No. 4 national ranking with an 8-1-2 record. In their recent 3-1 victory over Tulsa, the team demonstrated depth by utilizing reserve personnel to secure the result.
The players
Brevyn Cole
He is a senior student-athlete at UMKC who attended Olathe South High School.
Kevin Nkumu
He is a soccer player for UMKC who is currently sidelined due to an injury sustained during the team's third match.
Marc Powpow
He is a goalkeeper for the UMKC soccer team who appeared in the match against Tulsa.
Brandon Kincaid
He is a UMKC goalkeeper who was held out of the Tulsa match for precautionary reasons regarding a shoulder issue.
The details
Brevyn Cole, who previously missed the 2025 season following knee surgery, reclaimed his position after Kevin Nkumu was sidelined by an injury in the season's third match. Goalkeeper Marc Powpow also saw action in the win against Tulsa, stepping in for Brandon Kincaid who was held out for shoulder-related precautions.
Timeline
2024: UMKC secured a conference championship and reached the postseason.
2025: Brevyn Cole missed the entire season due to knee surgery.
October 7, 2026: UMKC defeated Tulsa 3-1.
October 25, 2026: UMKC is scheduled to play its final regular-season home game.
Season Trajectory
This story follows the momentum established by the 2024 UMKC conference championship season as the team pursues a high seed in the upcoming postseason. Depth contributions from players like Brevyn Cole are essential for sustaining this performance level deep into the competitive cycle.
Brevyn Cole's return to the starting rotation provides defensive stability that keeps UMKC in contention for a high national seed. His recent assist against Tulsa indicates his active role in the team's offensive transition while filling the vacancy left by Kevin Nkumu.
The takeaway
Depth and adaptability remain the primary drivers of success for high-ranking collegiate soccer programs facing unexpected injuries. Players who effectively utilize their recovery periods, like Brevyn Cole, provide essential stability when called back into the starting lineup.
What happens next
UMKC plays its final regular-season home game at Durwood Stadium on October 25, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's climb in the polls, visit the Kansas City Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Johnson County Post.
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