Oral Roberts University men’s soccer head coach Ryan Bush announced on May 14 updates to his coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season. Sergio Romero and Edgardo Mira have been promoted to assistant coaches, while former goalkeeper Joao Mesquita will serve as a graduate assistant.
The announcement is significant as it brings experienced individuals into key roles for the program. Both Romero and Mira have histories with Oral Roberts, either as players or coaches, and Mesquita recently completed a notable playing career with the Golden Eagles.
Romero enters his second season with the team after serving as a graduate assistant in 2025. He played six seasons of college soccer, including three undefeated years at Richland College where he was a three-time national champion and two-time captain. After transferring to the University of Tulsa in 2022, Romero helped lead his team to a Sweet 16 appearance and earned All-Conference honors. “I am excited about Sergio’s promotion within the ORU Men’s Soccer program,” said Bush. “Throughout his tenure, he has elevated the culture of our program and consistently demonstrated that he is ready to help take ORU Men’s Soccer to another level. Sergio brings tremendous positive energy, professionalism, and leadership to our environment, and his experience winning multiple national championships while in America gives him a championship mindset that will greatly impact our players and staff. We believe Sergio will play a major role in helping us pursue the standards and vision we have established for the future of this program.” Romero holds a bachelor’s degree from Tulsa (2024) and is pursuing a master’s at Oral Roberts.
Mira played under Bush from 2012 to 2015 at Oral Roberts before going on to play professionally in Guatemala and El Salvador through 2024; he also represented El Salvador’s national football team between 2017-2021. Mira served as volunteer coach for ORU women’s soccer before joining as men’s graduate assistant sport performance coach last year. “Edgardo is an obvious promotion within our culture and program,” said Bush. “As one of the most decorated players in ORU history, along with extensive First Division professional experience around the world, he brings tremendous knowledge, professionalism, and credibility to our staff as Director of Player Development.” Mira graduated from Oral Roberts with degrees in health/exercise science (2016) and sports management (2016).
Mesquita returns after two seasons at Western Texas College followed by two years playing for Oral Roberts; he appeared in 24 games with over 2,000 minutes played for the Golden Eagles by spring of this year. In addition to being named Summit League Defensive Peak Performer during one week last season—after recording nine saves against Massachusetts Amherst—he led league goalkeepers with nearly four saves per game en route to All-Summit League honorable mention honors plus selection onto its All-Academic Team. “Joao Mesquita had a tremendous career at ORU and now returns to serve in an operational and video analysis role within the program,” explained Bush.
Assistant coach John Woodhead remains on staff following promotion last year after previously serving as graduate assistant; Xander Quiroga continues volunteering.
