16 new players for Head Coach Alex Fatovic
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University men’s soccer program has announced its incoming recruiting class ahead of the 2024 season.
The class is comprised of 18 new incoming players, with the United States, England, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Albania, and Canada represented. Of United States players, three are from Michigan, two join NMU from Colorado, and one from each state of Wisconsin, Texas, and Ohio. Of internationals, three come from England, two join from each of Germany and the Netherlands, and one from each of Sweden, Albania, and Canada.
The class includes 12 freshmen and six incoming transfers, with four transfer students coming from NJCAA schools, and one each from NCAA and CCAA. The class also features four MLS Next Academy signings.
“I couldn’t be more excited to officially announce our 2024 class,” says head coach Alex Fatovic. “I’d like to first welcome a tremendous group of talented players and people to NMU from all over the world. From Michigan to Albania and everywhere in between, this class is very diverse, coming from all levels, countries and clubs.
We had a lot of needs to fill in the off season and I couldn’t be more grateful for the efforts our staff has put in to secure the largest most talented class this program has had. Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our returning class as well, who have worked very hard this off season to improve in every aspect of our program. August can’t come soon enough!”
The Wildcats open it’s season with an exhibition at Madonna University on August 23. The ‘Cats first regular season matchup is September 5 at Northwood, and the home opener is September 12 against Lewis.
(List of names below are in alphabetical order by last name)
Forwards:
Justin Alfaro (Houston, Texas) // Houston Rise MLS
Kyle Cameron (St. Catharine, Ontario, Canada) // Fanshawe College (U Sports)
Teun van Gansewinkel (Haaften, Netherlands) // FC Den Bosch
Max Rebori (Berkley, Michigan) // Rock Valley College (NJCAA)
William Uchenna (Birmingham, England) // Walsall FC
Ian Weimer (Marietta, Ohio) // Shattuck St. Mary’s MLS Next
Midfielders:
Tyler Kowalczyk (De Pere, Wisconsin) // FC Wisconsin North
Xhoel Lutaj (Tirana, Albania) // FK Partizani
Quint van Roij (Heeswijk-Dinther, Netherlands) // FC Den Bosch
Defenders:
Brayan Aguirre (Denver, Colorado – Born in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico) // Regis University (NCAA) – Laramie County Community College (NJCAA)
James Carr (Anlaby, England) // Hull City
Isaac Cervantes (Grand Rapids, Michigan) // Midwest United MLS Next
Luca Rub (Velbert, Germany) // SC Velbert
Blaine Watkins (Fort Collins, Colorado) Arizona Western College (NJCAA)
Goal Keepers:
Nils Cedergren (Malmo, Sweden) // IF Lodde
Harry Gray (Warrington, England) // Parkland College (NJCAA)
Jacob Griffin (Grand Rapids, Michigan) // Midwest United MLS Next
Mads Huegel (Pinneberg, Germany) // Casper College (NJCAA)
