LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Men’s Soccer Head Coach Cesar Markovic has announced the addition of seven newcomers to the Saints’ 2018 roster. The diverse group includes student athletes from Germany, Iceland, Spain, and Zimbabwe, and is comprised of five freshmen and two junior college transfers.

 

A native of Harare, Zimbabwe by way of Sheffield, England, Eddie Dakwa is a junior college transfer who matriculates to Siena from Hill College in Texas. A 2017 NJCAA Region V selection and a 2016 Honorable Mention, the 5-10, 180-pound midfielder/back amassed 29 starts in his two seasons with the Rebels. Dakwa previously played for both Sheffield FC and Chesterfield FC in England.

 

“Eddie is a strong, physical defensive player with great leadership skills,” said Markovic. “He will help our program tremendously on the defensive side of the field.”

 

Aaron Martin joins the Saints from Madrid, Spain where he attended Instituto Gerardo Diego. The 5-7, 145-pound striker starred for Aravaca CF in the Division de Honor. Martin amassed eight goals and 12 assists spanning 31 matches while competing in Spain’s top division.

 

“Aaron is a pure sniper who can score goals in many different ways,” explained Markovic. “His work rate off the ball is tremendous.”

 

A local standout from nearby Clifton Park, New York, Greg Monroe was tabbed both the Albany Times Union and Section II Goalie of the Year each of the past two seasons. The Shenendehowa star led the Plainsmen to consecutive Section II Class AA Suburban Council Championships during his final two seasons, culminating in a state semifinals appearance last fall. A 6-4, 195-pound goalkeeper, Monroe also earned First Team Suburban Council acclaim following both his junior and senior seasons.

 

“Greg has a tremendous pedigree having been very successful at a strong local program in Shenendehowa,” commented Markovic. He is a tremendous competitor who possesses all the physical attributes to be a big-time goalkeeper.”

 

A native of Grabenstatt, Germany, Samuel Schwarz was named to the All-Oberliga Starting XI Team in 2016, representing Germany’s highest amateur league. The 6-0, 165-pound midfield/forward appeared in 29 matches while making 27 starts for SB Chiemgau Traunstein.

 

“Samuel is a very creative attacking midfielder,” noted Markovic. “He is very dangerous from all areas of the field, and is very technically polished.”

 

Birgir Thorsteinsson matriculates to Siena from Hafnarfjordur, Iceland. A two-time U19 Icelandic Champion, he totaled 22 goals and nine assists over 30 matches. A 5-9, 160-pound midfield/forward, Thorsteinsson played his club soccer for Haukar Hafnarfjordur in Iceland’s Second Division.

 

“Birgir has great speed and a phenomenal work rate,” remarked Markovic. “He pressures the ball as well as I’ve seen.”

 

Tim Ugo also joins the Saints from Hill College in Texas where he starred alongside fellow newcomer Eddie Dakwa for the previous two seasons. The Duncanville, Texas standout was named the 2016 NJCAA Region V Player of the Year and an All-Tournament Team selection after leading the Rebels to the Regional Championship. Ugo scored a team-high 20 points last fall en route to being tabbed a Region V Honorable Mention selection. The 6-0, 150-pound midfield/forward has scored five goals in 12 matches this summer while playing for FC Cleburne in the Premier Development League.

 

“Tim has elite level speed,” said Markovic. “He is an absolute game changer who was a regional player of the year at the junior college level just over a year ago.”

 

New Hartford, Connecticut native Jameson Weber was named a 2017 United Soccer Coaches All-New England Region Team selection as well as an All-State and All-Berkshire League honoree last fall while starring at Northwestern Regional. The 6-3, 185-pound back previously earned Second Team All-League recognition following his junior season in 2016. Weber played his club soccer for FSA FC United.

 

“Jameson is a strong, tenacious defender,” explained Markovic. “He possesses a tireless work ethic.”

 

The seven newcomers join a Siena Soccer program which posted a 4-7-7 overall record last season including a 2-4-4 mark in the MAAC.