Men's Soccer Adds Newcomers for 2021 Season
Central Connecticut men's soccer interim head coach David Kelly has announced the addition of 10 newcomers to the program for the 2021 season. The incoming group will add depth experience to a Blue Devils roster that earned a third-place finish in the league's standings during the spring season. CCSU posted a .500 or better win percentage for the first time since 2013 after going 3-3-1 in its first campaign under Kelly.
"This is a class which builds perfectly on last year's great class," Kelly said of the incoming student-athletes. "We've added 10 outstanding student-athletes to the program (six freshmen and four transfers). This class reflects our commitment to recruiting highly technical and athletic players, who fit perfectly into our vision for the program. Most importantly, we've recruited 10 young men with high character who are committed to our pursuit of excellence. They will join a squad who have demonstrated relentless determination in elevating the program to the national level. Every one of these new Blue Devils have the potential to compete for minutes right away, and several could earn starting roles. I want to thank my assistants, Shane (Recklet), Olgert (Dalipi), and James (Perkins) for their hard work and dedication in putting together this outstanding class. We can't wait for August! Go Blue Devils!"
Alek Bravo | D | Freshman | Weston, FL
Before CCSU: Played for Weston FC in the USSDA (MLS NEXT)...Played for Weston FC USL 2 team for the past two seasons
Kelly on Bravo: "Alek is a tough, athletic fullback with a competitive spirit, and a winning attitude. He has had some great experiences with Weston, and he will add quality to the back line."
Erik Hjertsson | F | Freshman | Malmo, Sweden
Before CCSU: Played for IF Limnamn Bunkeflo...Played for Trelleborgs FF...Top scorer in U15 regional league...Played in the U17 Allsvenskan
Kelly on Hjertsson: "Erik is athletic, and at 6-foot-3 he will be a presence up front. He's rapid, very clean with the ball, and can get behind or play with his back to goal. Erik can be deployed at any of the front three positions. He's a goal-scorer with a winning mentality."
Mike Indomenico | M | Freshman | Wethersfield, CT
Before CCSU: Played for Avon Old Farms, and Sporting CT...CT State Cup Champions in 2018-19...2018-19 Jefferson Cup champions...NYCSL Champions in 2018-19...Named All State in 2021.
Kelly on Indomenico: "Michael is a very talented center midfielder. He's very clean in possession, has a great range of passing, and has excellent vision. He will compete for minutes in the midfield right away."
Birk Martinsen | M/F | Freshman | Oslo, Norway
Before CCSU: Played for KFUM-Kameratene Oslo...Top scorer and top assister at U16...Most combined goal points at U17...Most combined goal points 2018/19-20
Kelly on Martinsen: "Birk comes from a top club in Oslo, and had a great education there. He is very fast, very skillful, and can play a variety of positions. He will be an immediate attacking threat for us. We are thrilled he'll be joining the Blue Devils."
Giulio Potente | M | Freshman | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Before CCSU: Played for Weston FC MLS Next Academy...2018 USSDA League Champion...2019 Weston Cup Champion...2020 Montverde Soccer Academy Tournament Champions, Tournament Top Goal Scorer...Played for Weston FC USL 2 club in 2021.
Kelly on Potente: "Giulio is a top, talented playmaker. He's technical, has a great range of passing, and can run the show in the middle of the park, play as an out-an-out striker, or a false 9. Giulio is recovering from a knee injury, so he'll need some time before he can use his quality to impact our program."
Austin Rocke | M/F | Sophomore | Mars, PA
Before CCSU: 2019 All-State in Pennsylvania...2019 Player of the Year in Section AAA...Hotspurs, NPSL Summer 2019...ECNL Players to Watch List 2018/2019...Riverhounds Academy Pathway to Pros ...Columbus Crew Academy 2017/2018...Invited to US Training Center in April 2017...Played for 2020 NCAA National Champions Marshall University
Kelly on Rocke: "Austin is outstanding student-athlete who is comfortable at either the 9 or 10 positions. He's athletic, he can hold the ball, and he's a proven goal-scorer. Austin has a great work rate, a really professional attitude, and the the type of high character that we're searching for to move the program forward. He will compete for time right away."
Adriel Sanchez | M/F | Junior | Coachella, CA
Before CCSU: Played for Desert United Coachella, and The Barcelona Residential Academy...Served as captain his senior season...Was the top goal scorer (2019-20)...Played at Coastal Carolina in 2020.
Kelly on Sanchez: "Adriel is a quick and skillful attacking player. He's had a great education at the Barcelona Academy, and he will come in and compete for time at any of the front three attacking positions."
Brian Son | M | Sophomore | Glastonbury, CT
Before CCSU: Played for Oakwood, CFC, and New England Revolution Soccer clubs...Won a state championship at Glastonbury High School in 2018...Called up to US Training Centers three times during Oakwood career...Played at University of Vermont in 2020.
Kelly on Son: " We've known about Brian for some time and he's one of the most talented prospects to come out of Connecticut in years. Brian is fast, technical, and very, very clean with the ball. We expect Brian to come in and command a spot in the center of the park."
Daniel Wilmore | GK | Junior | Frisco, TX
Before CCSU: Played for Dallas Texans and Solar Chelsea...Currently playing for OKC in NPSL...Centennial High School, Texas...21 shutouts in a 36-game unbeaten streak...Transfer from Fort Lewis.
Kelly on Wilmore: "Daniel Wilmore is a very talented goalkeeper, with great technique and athleticism. He already has some excellent college experience, and he should be competing for minutes as soon as he arrives. We're very fortunate he's chosen to come to Central."
Jacob Welle Smogeli | D | Freshman | Oslo, Norway
Before CCSU: Played for Bærum.
Kelly on Welle Smogeli: "Jakob is a top attacking defender. He has good size and speed, and we'll be looking for him to be a top defender while also adding a threat going forward. We can't wait to see him in the Blue Devil's kit."