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Connor Maki, Defender, IMG Soccer Academy
Class: 2015
Commitment: Xavier

An attacking left back who enjoys the odd foray forward, Connor Maki’s college decision boiled down to two schools, with a successful Big East program eventually winning out.

“I chose Xavier because I felt it was the perfect fit for me,” Maki told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “My personal trainer Bobby Humphrey helped me throughout the process because he was once a successful player at James Madison University, so he guided me to the coaches that he thought fit my style. He happened to know Andy Fleming well and I think he called him the next Caleb Porter. For me, Xavier is a top soccer program in the Big East, an excellent education, and I really liked the coaches and players.”

Fleming has certainly taken the program forward over the past five years, building a successful program that finished second in the Big East last fall, with a record of 15-6-2.

The soccer program’s values matched what he was looking for, and the school itself had the right kind of academic opportunities.

“Xavier is excellent Jesuit education with small class sizes,” he said. “My visit to Xavier confirmed all my expectations. Ultimately, everyone on campus made it feel like a great atmosphere and it is definitely a place I want to live in for the next four years.”

Samson Sergi, Forward, Bethesda-Olney SC
Class: 2015
Commitment: Xavier

A future teammate of Maki this fall will be Samson Sergi, a product of Bethesda-Olney’s successful pipeline to the Division I ranks.

For him, Xavier simply felt like a home away from home.

“On my official visit, I really enjoyed spending time with the team and really connected with the coaching staff,” Sergi told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I am also very competitive and love to win, and Xavier has made the NCAA tournament four of the past five years. I am excited to add to very successful program.”

Sergi fashions himself as a No. 9 in the classic sense, looking to link up with his midfielders to finish chances in front of goal. The soccer program’s winning mentality and recent success appealed to him.

 “The preparation from the coaches and players before each game truly shows their eagerness to win,” he said. “Coach Fleming and coach [Kris] Bertsch have turned the program into a consistent top 25 program that I can’t wait to be a part of.”

Dylan Greenblatt, Midfielder, NJCSA
Class: 2015
Commitment: American

Capable of slotting in a number of positions on the field, New Jersey standout Dylan Greenblatt specializes in a defensive midfield role, breaking up plays and winning balls in the center of the park.

The Patriot League is the next stop for him this fall, recently signing to join a program in the nation’s capital.

“I committed to American University because I really felt connected to the school during my visit,” Greenblatt told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “It was buzzing with a lot of activity, it's in a fantastic location with a beautiful campus. I also really connected with the coaches, which was important to me.”

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The coaching staff’s approach to the game was a big factor in Greenblatt’s decision, as he found a program that suits his playing style.

“I love their philosophy – aggressive, attack-minded soccer, keeping the ball on the ground,” he said. “I think I will fit in well, have a chance to contribute, and have the opportunity to learn under their direction.”

Having the chance to move to Washington, D.C. was also a nice bonus.

“The school is in a perfect location in D.C., which me puts right in the center of the capital,” Greenblatt said. “Being interested in American history and politics, it is a great environment to learn and get exposure to real world issues.”

Five players are committed to join American for 2015.