Men's Soccer Signs 11 to 2020 Roster
5/4/2020 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University men's soccer program is adding Drew David (Denver, CO), Lucas Miquel Castrillo (Aranda de Duero, Spain), Grady Kozak (Middletown, MA), William Pearce (Castle Hill, Australia), Gavin Neumeyer (Monroe, CT), Olliver Persson (Haugesund, Norway), Giovanni Amato (West Orange, NJ), Eduardo Costa (Sao Joao Da Madeira, Portugal), Matthew Machan (Monroe, CT), Ultan Heenan-Roberts (Portland, OR) and Justin Siegel (Ramsey, NJ) to the 2020 recruiting class announced head coach Joe Barroso.
"We are thrilled to announce the signings of these young men, said Barroso. "From a recruitment point of view, what's been key with every signing is knowing what players will bring to the program from a mentality point of view. Strong characters, strong personalities, good people. Players who want to achieve, and we feel we've done exactly that throughout the entire class."
Drew David | Denver, CO | Barca Academy & Colorado Rapids Academy
Coach Barroso: "Drew is an extremely direct winger with a lot of pace. He is dangerous in 1v1 situations and makes aggressive runs off the ball. We are delighted to welcome him to the program and the SHU community."
Why SHU: "The coaching staff had trust in me from the beginning, and I felt SHU would be a place I could really succeed, so for me it was really an easy decision to become a part of the SHU family!"
Lucas Miquel Castrillo |Aranda de Duero, Spain | Coker University & Arandina CF
Coach Barroso: "Lucas is a creative midfielder with the work rate and competitiveness we were looking for. We feel his experience at the college level and internationally will help with the transition. We look forward to welcoming him into our program."
Why SHU: "As soon as SHU contacted me it became one of my preferred options. I am excited to sign and I can't wait to impact the team positively in any way I can. The location, the campus and the fact that there is another Spanish player on the team attracted me a lot. I felt very much wanted by the coaching staff which was one of the most important factors in my decision to join SHU."
Grady Kozak | Middletown, MA | Malaga City & Seacoast United USL 2 & DA
Coach Barroso: "Grady has developed through the age groups at Seacoast United Academy through to the USL 2 team, before spending last year at Malaga City in Spain. He's a dynamic attacking midfielder who can play centrally or wide. He's an extremely driven young man and last years' experience in Spain will help him on and off the field here at SHU."
Why SHU: "I felt really comfortable with the vision for the program and style of play that the coaches want. After a tour I was impressed with the facilities and knew it was somewhere I could grow both as a player and student."
Will Pearce | Castle Hill, Australia | Hills United FC
Coach Barroso: "Will is a strong defensive midfielder with an excellent range of passing. He's a competitor and a leader which allows him to show his presence and impact the game. He was captain of his club team and was also selected to the Australian National Schoolboys Team where he served as vice captain, gaining experience internationally."
Why SHU: "SHU will enable me to take on both a world class degree and a leading soccer program, providing resources and an environment that will help me develop into a person I otherwise could not be."
Gavin Neumeyer | Monroe, CT | CFC
Coach Barroso: "Gavin is a technically smooth midfielder who I'm excited to start working with. He served as captain at Fairfield Prep and his professionalism and hard work really stood out throughout the recruiting process. We look forward to welcoming him into our program."
Why SHU: "Sacred Heart was my top choice for academics and soccer because it is quickly becoming one of the top campuses in the nation and is close to home."
Olliver Persson | Haugesund, Norway | Vard Haugesund and FK Haugesund
Coach Barroso: "Olliver was developed at FK Haugesund Academy and gained promotion last year with Vard Haugesund to the Norwegian second division. He impressed us with his finishing, hold up play and work on the defensive side. Olliver will give us different solutions offensively along with our other attacking options."
Why SHU: "I chose SHU because it was the school that could best shape my life athletically while also receiving an elite-level education."
Giovanni Amato | West Orange, NJ | Ironbound Soccer Club
Coach Barroso: "Giovanni had a great year, winning championships at both high school and club level, where he was also captain. He is an athletic defender who plays with great energy. We look forward to welcoming him and his family into our program."
Why SHU: "On my first visit to Sacred Heart University it felt like home. It was everything I was looking for, Division I soccer, a great community and the perfect campus size. I am excited to become a part of the program and I can't wait to get started."
Eduardo Costa | Sao Joao Da Madeira, Portugal | AD Sanjoanense
Coach Barroso: "Eduardo is very tactically aware and has a good feel for the game. He has had a good soccer education and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to our program."
Why SHU: "I want to continue to develop as a player and student. SHU offers excellent conditions that allow us to become top-level student athletes."
Matthew Machan | Monroe, CT | CFC
Coach Barroso: "Matt is a determined and competitive young man. He is an athletic right back with a big engine who can cover a lot of ground. He has steadily improved over the last few years and will add depth and competition to our defensive unit."
Why SHU: "I chose Sacred Heart University because I wanted to be challenged on and off the field. The campus is close to home and I knew it was the perfect fit for me after my visit."
Ultan Heenan-Roberts | Portland, OR | Eastside Timbers
Coach Barroso: "Ultan is a tall central defender who is excellent in the air and comfortable in possession. I look forward to working with him over the next 4 years to help him maximize his potential."
Why SHU: "I chose Sacred Heart because of the challenge at the Division I level, as well as the coaching staff and style of play".
Justin Siegel | Ramsey, NJ | Muhlenberg College
Coach Barroso: "Justin is a 6'3 goalkeeper who joins us from Muhlenberg College. His physical attributes and skill set will bring competition and depth to our group of goalkeepers."
Why SHU: "SHU is the perfect fit for me. The combination of great athletics and an exceptional education really sold me on going to college here."
For more information about the Sacred Heart men's soccer program, follow the Pioneers on Twitter/Instagram on @SHU_MSOC or visit https://www.sacredheartpioneers.com/sports/m-soccer/index
