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Alexander DaCosta, Forward, Bayside FC Bolts (RI)
Class: 2016
Commitment: Providence

After averaging close to a goal a game for his club side Bayside FC, it was no surprise to see Division I programs interested in forward Alex DaCosta.

Eventually, 2014 College Cup entrants Providence won out, attracting one of the top local talents through a combination of style and coaching.

“Providence has a great soccer program that plays the same possession style of soccer that I enjoy to play,” DaCosta told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “The players work extremely hard both on and off the field and they help push each other to reach their respective goals. The coaching staff is very knowledgeable, yet personable and I know that they will help push me to become the best soccer player that I can be.”

During a recent visit to the campus, DaCosta was able to see up close how hard the team worked and supported each other in practice, something he wanted to experience at the next level.

Academic options were plentiful as well, something that appealed to the dynamic and versatile striker.

“Providence College is a beautiful school with a small campus and a great student to instructor ratio that will help me to be more engaged in the classroom,” DaCosta said. “I’ll get a great education that will provide me with many options when I graduate. The program puts great emphasis on ensuring that the players perform in the classroom as much as on the field.”

DaCosta is the first player to verbally commit to Providence for 2016.

Joseph Malu, Forward, Gainesville SA
Class: 2015
Commitment: Florida Gulf Coast(m)

Speed, vision and finishing are traits of his game that Joseph Malu takes pride in.

The Florida native found the ideal program on the gulf side of Florida, committing to join the underrated and consistent Florida Gulf Coast(m) men’s soccer team in the fall.

MORE: Boys Commitments | 2015 Boys IMG Academy Top 150 | DA Scoreboard

“I decided to commit to FGCU primarily because of the coaching staff,” Malu told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “They were all very welcoming and they believe in me as a player and a person. Bob Butehorn has a great program at FGCU where they dominate the Atlantic Sun Conference and I want to be part of that.”

The school’s campus, dorms and academic options were appealing to him, as Malu plans on pursuing a business degree in school. But the soccer program’s approach on the field also weighed on Malu’s choice.

“The philosophy of how the game should be played with quick ball movement and possession is what I specifically like about the soccer program at FGCU,” he said. “It's one that I feel I can fit into but I know it'll take some time to adjust to the D1 level.”

Malu is one of six verbal commitments to join FGCU this fall.

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