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James Keefe, Defender, Greater Libertyville SA
Class: 2015
Commitment: Loyola-Chicago 

The captain and center back for his club team, James Keefe is the type of player who will do anything to help his team win.

The Illinois native didn’t have to look past the city of Chicago for his future college home, committing to Loyola-Chicago’s burgeoning program.

“I chose Loyola because I really enjoyed the feeling of a city campus,” Keefe told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “My visit with the team was great and I could see myself as part of the Loyola family.”

A big factor in persuading him to make the decision came this spring, when he watched the team played, as he enjoyed the team’s style.

“They really focus on trying to possess the ball whenever they can,” he said. “The players don't over think on the ball, and they play simple, intelligent soccer.” 

Keefe, who won’t stray too far from home for school, noticed other pluses about the campus and location.

“The school itself is beautiful and right on the lake,” he said. “I have always loved Chicago and having the opportunity to attend school there was very appealing to me. The students I met were really nice and were helpful to me when I was there.” 

Blake Barribeau, Midfielder, Michigan Jaguars FC
Class: 2015
Commitment: Oakland

Left-sided players are often hard to come by, making Blake Barribeau’s commitment quite the addition for the Oakland men’s soccer team.

Capable of playing both left wing and left back, Barribeau found the right package of school and athletics at the Michigan institution.

“I committed to Oakland University because I feel it's good fit academically and with the soccer program,” Barribeau told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “Coach Eric Pogue has a great staff on board along with one of the best soccer facilities in the area. I am excited to play for them.”

A Horizon League program that often flies under-the-radar on the national stage, Barribeau took note of the success the team has had in recent years within the conference.

“The soccer program has always been strong at Oakland and they play one of the toughest schedules every year,” he said. “They strive to win championships and I am excited to be a part of that over my four years there.”

He also felt like the school offered him great academic opportunities.

“I like the student-to-staff ratio at Oakland and how it's not too big, but not too small,” Barribeau explained. “It is a nice campus with an environment that I am comfortable with. The learning facilities and athletic facilities are top class as well.”

Other commitments:

Midfielder Reid Baez (Portland Timbers) committed to Portland for the class of 2015.

Midfielder Noah Chapleski (Colorado Rush) committed to Cal Poly for the class of 2015.