ALBANY, N.Y – University at Albany men's soccer coach Trevor Gorman has announced the addition of eight players to the Great Danes' squad for 2020.

"We are pleased to welcome these young men to the UAlbany family," said Gorman.  "It's an outstanding group made up of players with all the characteristics we look for in successful Great Danes.  Our recruiting coordinator, Rich Nassif, did a great job helping to shape this class and we're excited to integrate them with our returning core for 2020."

Cristian Campagna: DEF – 6'1" – 180lbs. – Surrey, British Columbia, Canada (University Hill Academy)



Quick Facts: Campagna joins the Great Danes from the Vancouver Whitecaps academy program.  He was invited to the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament as a training player with the Canadian Olympic Team.  His Whitecaps team advanced to the USSDA Final Four in 2017.

Gorman on Campagna: "Cristian is a strong, experienced player from an outstanding academy in Vancouver.  From the start, we could tell his mentality was a great fit for us and we look forward to seeing his impact this fall."

Necati Coklar: DEF – 6'0" – 165lbs. – Baldwin, N.Y. (St. Thomas Moore School)



Quick Facts: Coklar comes to UAlbany from the St. Thomas Moore School & Hebron Academy where he was selected for the 2019 NEPSAC All-Star Team.

Gorman on Coklar: "Necati came to our attention later in the recruiting process.  He has wonderful experience playing in foreign countries and in the highest level of high school prep soccer.  He's shown a tremendous desire to be a Great Dane and we're excited to add him to our squad."

Josh Pope: MID – 5'9" – 150lbs. – Chicago, Ill. (Glenbard High School)



Quick Facts: Pope arrives at UAlbany a member of the Chicago Sockers USSDA team.  He helped his team advance to the USSDA playoffs in 2019.

Gorman on Pope: "Josh is a hard-working player from a very successful Chicago Sockers academy team.  He's a quick-thinking midfielder willing to get on the ball in tight spaces.  We think he will adapt to our way of play well and be an excellent addition."

Zach Powell: MID – 5'9" – 155lbs. – Cincinnati, Ohio (University of Cincinnati)



Quick Facts: Powell joins the Great Danes after spending two seasons at the University of Cincinnati.  Prior to his time at UC, Powell was a 2017 All-Conference, All-City, and All-State selection in Ohio.

Gorman on Powell: "Zach is a skillful, left-footed player with two years of Division 1 experience at Cincinnati.  We're excited he's chosen UAlbany to finish his career and push himself to the highest level."

Arthur Silva: MID – 6'1" – 170lbs. – Bethel, Conn. (University of Connecticut)



Quick Facts: Silva spent two seasons at the University of Connecticut before enrolling at UAlbany in January.  Prior to UCONN, Silva was a member of the Beachside Soccer Club in the USSDA.

Gorman on Silva: "Arthur joined us in the spring semester and immediately fit with our team.  He's a tenacious midfield player who thrives on doing the "dirty work".  His competitiveness, and will to win, will be important characteristics in the center of the park."
 
Julian Terris: DEF – 6'2" – 180lbs. – Ottawa, Canada (Ashbury College)



Quick Facts: The second Canadian in the 2020 class, Terris comes to UAlbany from Ottawa where he played for Ottawa South United.

Gorman on Terris: "Julian is another player who impressed through our ID camp series.  He's an athletic, versatile player who's comfortable on the ball.  His excitement to be a Great Dane was evident and we think he'll be a positive influence from day one."

Carlos Tofern: GK – 6'2" – 190lbs. – Hamburg, Germany (University of Bridgeport)



Quick Facts: Tofern joins the program after two successful seasons at the University of Bridgeport.  He was the 2019 ECC Goalkeeper of the Year and First Team All-Conference selection.

Gorman on Tofern: "Carlos is a proven GK with two years of university experience.  He's an extremely focused player always seeking to better himself.  He'll be an excellent addition to our GK unit, that we expect to be a strength in 2020."

Will Wood: DEF – 5'10" – 170lbs – Franklin, N.H. (New Hampton School)



Quick Facts: Wood comes to Albany after a successful youth career with the GPS New Hampshire club.  He helped his team win the 2018 US Club Soccer National Cup and the 2018 & 2019 New Hampshire state championships.

Gorman on Wood: "Will also came to our attention through our camp series.  He demonstrated a strong connection with UAlbany early on and is excited to get to campus this fall.  He's an athletic, hard-working, player who we feel fits the way we play really well."