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Nathan Abraham, Midfielder, D.C. United
Class: 2014
Commitment: VCU

For Nathan Abraham, his decision to pick VCU was a simple one.

“I committed to VCU for two reasons: a great soccer program at a great university,” he told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “It was the right fit for me with a coaching staff that is dedicated to the program, and consistently being a top 20 team in the nation. They were clear about how they saw me fitting in, and wanted to make sure it was the right place for me.”

The Rams have made significant strides since head coach Dave Giffard took over a few years ago. Last year’s squad landed a top 16 seed in the NCAA tournament, although they lost in the second round to Syracuse.

A former assistant at Akron, the way Giffard has VCU play peaked Abraham’s attention.

“VCU, and its coaching staff, under coach Giffard, is committed to a possession game,” Abrahamd said. “They build from the back and are not interested in the run onto game. They are involved in their players’ everyday lives and make sure they succeed on and off the field.”

Along with his interest in the soccer program, the campus also had a lot to offer in the heart of Richmond, Va.

“VCU had everything that I wanted in a university: great academic programs, athletic culture, all in an urban environment,” he said. “There is always something new happening on campus, and a drive by the university to become the best in all aspects.”

Tyler Stowell, Midfielder, Match Fit Academy
Class: 2014
Commitment: VCU

Similar to Abraham, Tyler Stowell also found plenty to like about the VCU men’s soccer program.

“I decided to commit to VCU due to the fact that I truly love the school, the players on the team, and especially the coaching staff,” he told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “Coach Giffard, Coach Teach, & Coach Tudela really made me feel at home when I visited the school. They treated me like I was already part of the VCU family. I really believe that they are not only amazing coaches, but also outstanding mentors. I feel like they appreciate me as a young man and a soccer player.

With one eye on his future in the classroom, Stowell knew that he could pursue an education path that would set him up well while also getting to play for an excellent coaching staff.

“I did a lot of research on the academics at VCU,” he said. “The Engineering Program has a very good reputation and the school continues to put its resources into making that reputation even stronger.”

Other commitments:

Defender Andy Chmielewski (SC Waukesha) committed to Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the class of 2014.

Goalkeeper Treston Kederer (Minnesota Thunder Academy) committed to San Francisco for the class of 2014.

Forward Israel Evans (Shattuck St. Mary’s) committed to NC State for the class of 2014.

Defender Trenton Matson (Diablo FC) committed to Cal Poly for the class of 2014.

Forward Logan Gdula (Oakwood SC) committed to Army for the class of 2014.