COMMERCE – The East Texas A&M University soccer program has announced the addition of two Division I transfers for the 2026 season, both hailing from fellow Southland Conference schools.
 
Joining the Lions roster next season are Yiselle Bernal, a defender from Dallas, who is coming to East Texas A&M from UTRGV and Laela Lopez, a defender from Duncanville, transferring in from SFA.
 
Here is a detailed look at the two newest Lions, who enter the fifth season under the leadership of coach Ashley Gordon.
 
YISELLE BERNAL
D • 5-2
Dallas, Texas • Hillcrest High School • UTRGV
Arrives in Commerce with one year of eligibility remaining … Appeared in 18 matches and scored two goals at UTRGV last season … Also played collegiately at Seminole State and Arkansas Pine Bluff … District Champion and District Offensive Player of the Year at Hillcrest High School … Played club soccer for Dallas Texans ECNL
 
COACH GORDON'S THOUGHTS: "Yiselle is an exceptional addition to our team, bringing experience and leadership. She plays with a relentless box-to-box engine and brings veteran experience from the Southland Conference. Yiselle is one of the top left-footed players in the league, possesses a high soccer IQ, and is dangerous on every set piece."
 
LAELA LOPEZ
D • 5-6
Duncanville, Texas • Parish Episcopal High School • SFA
Arrives to Commerce with three years of eligibility remaining … Appeared in 10 matches last season at SFA … Four-time letter winner at Parish Episcopal High School … Two-time Second Team All-State Defense … 2025 District Defensive Player of the Year … Two-time first team all-district … Played club soccer for DKSC ECNL
 
COACH GORDON'S THOUGHTS: "We are very excited to add Laela to our backline. She is a composed center back who is extremely comfortable on the ball, with strong awareness and the ability to play thoughtful, accurate passes. Laela is a solid one-vs-one defender, a natural organizer, and her familiarity with the conference will allow her to make an immediate impact."