Six freshmen and four transfers
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University men’s soccer program has announced its incoming recruiting class, which includes ten student-athletes, ahead of the 2025 season.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank my staff for all of their hard work securing a phenomenal 2025 class,” says head coach Alex Fatovic, who enters his fourth season as head coach for the Wildcats. Along with Fatovic, assistant coach Chance Vang returns for his second season with the Green and Gold. “We secured a class that addressed our main areas for improvement with quality, experience, and a passion for NMU.”
The ten incoming student-athletes are comprised of six freshmen and four transfers. The transfer class includes two NCAA DI and NJCAA athletes and multiple freshmen joining the Wildcats from MLS Next programs. The class includes six from the United States and four international athletes. Among the athletes from the United States, three are from Michigan, and Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin are all represented. The four international athletes will represent England, France, Israel, and Italy.
“The class is very balanced between transfers, graduate students, and first-time freshmen. Our young group made significant gains this offseason, and we can’t wait to integrate this new class. August can’t come soon enough!”
The Wildcats open its fall season with an exhibition match against UW-Green Bay at home on Friday, August 22, at 5 PM. The regular season opens at home on Thursday, September 4, against Northwood at noon.
(List of names below is in alphabetical order by last name)
Forwards:
Asa Dean (Grand Haven, Michigan) // Michigan Rangers
Luca Rosen (London, England) // Northeast CC (NJCAA)
Midfielders:
McKinney Jiles (Hastings, Michigan) // Midwest United
Tristan Lee (Cottage Grove, Minnesota) // St. Paul Blackhawks
Jadon Thang (Battle Creek, Michigan) // Midwest United – MLS Next
Defenders:
Mattia Feretti (Modena, Italy) // St. Bonaventure (NCAA D1)
Noah Girard (Milton, Wisconsin) // SC Wave – MLS Next
Terry Grimaldi (Toulon, France) // Hyeres FC
Owen Rutledge (Omaha, Nebraska) // Northeast CC (NJCAA)
Goal Keeper:
Asaf Kristal (Tel Aviv, Israel) // University of Illinois Chicago (NCAA D1) West Texas A&M (NCAA D2)
