The college season is nearly upon us and programs are prepping to bring their new-look rosters to the field. Here’s an early look at a few incoming freshmen classes.

DePaul

Signed: David Selvaggi (Sockers FC), Anthony Hunter, Curtis Weir (SoccerPlus CT), Jake Douglas (Dallas Texans), Danny Michallik (SoccerPlus CT), Miguel Acosta (Chicago Fire),  

Skinny: The Blue Demons indicated they wanted to address speed and athleticism with this class, and it seems as though they have done that. Selvaggi is the No. 65 ranked player in our Top 100 for reasons that include his ball-striking ability and skill for finding ways to score. Hunter, who has played for Bermuda Youth National Teams, is another fast attacking player who could help spark his group. Weir, Douglas, and Michallik will all bring defensive specialties while Acosta is a midfielder with good play-making skills.

David Selvaggi

Signed: Blake Dawn (Cosmos Academy West), Connor Pauley (Seacoast United), Kyle Lewis (Seacoast United), Adrien Elvis Lumumba (Seacoast United), Aaron Smith (Seacoast United)

Skinny: This group of freshmen will have the advantage of continuity. Four will arrive from Seacoast United where they were coached by New Hampshire head coach Rob Thompson. Seacoast reached the playoffs in the Development Academy, so some of these guys have already experienced success with one another.

Dawn and Lewis are both goalkeepers while Pauley is a big center back who can distribute. Lumumba will also add to the defense while Smith should see time in the midfield.

Navy

Signed: Donny Burton (PA Classics), Taylor Cook (Cape Fear Soccer Club), Geoff Fries (Tulsa Soccer Club), Sean Gallagher, Joseph Greenspan (Match Fit Chelsea), Michael Lemonick (Lower Merion SC), Grant Valenstein (Tustin United), Brendan Warshauer (Potomac Soccer Club)

Skinny: Navy returns nine starters and 17 letter-winners, so these incoming players will have a serious fight on their hands for playing time. Depth, however, is never a bad thing. Burton is skilled midfielder who ranks No. 8 in the Pennsylvania Region and could possibly hit the ground running upon his arrival. Lemonick is a player with a fair chance to contribute early as well. He has great size and could be a good holding midfielder or defender. Greeenspan comes from the Development Academy and is a 6-foot-5 striker while defenders include Gallagher and Warshauer.    

Iona(m)

Signed: Giovanni Esposito (Matchfit Academy FC), Charles Butte (JPS Soccer Club), Ryan Del Monaco (FSA United Soccer Club), Borja Barbero (Valladolid, Spain), Brais Garcia (Madrid, Spain)

Skinny: The Gaels welcome a diverse group that possesses good size. Butte is a 6-foot-3 and will compete for the center back position while Spain’s Barbero is a powerful striker who excels with his back to the goal. Another key attacker will be Esposito, who is No. 18 in the New Jersey region. Esposito is an athletic play-maker with good passing skills who can cause problems for opposing defenses.

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