Men’s Soccer Announces 2024 Recruiting Class

ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany men’s soccer team, and head coach Trevor Gorman, have announced the addition of 12 players ahead of the fall 2024 season. 

Edis Alic: DEF – 6’1 – 175lbs. – Vaxjo, Sweden

Prior to UAlbany: Spent the 2023 season at Northern Kentucky University; Also played for Osters IF

Gorman on Alic: “Edis is a versatile defender who can play a variety of roles. He is comfortable on both feet, good in the duel, and possesses the ability to be a strong defender.”

Christos Efstathiou: DEF – 6’2 – 180lbs. – Limassol, Cyprus

Prior to UAlbany: Played for POX FC in Cyprus

Gorman on Efstathiou: “Christos is a strong, tough, defender with a number of positive qualities. He anticipates well, reads plays and angles, and is composed on the ball. Equally, he’s strong in his duels and has a no-nonsense approach when it’s required.”

Breckin Fett: DEF – 5’11 – 180lbs. – Anchorage, Alaska

Prior to UAlbany: Played for Alaska Rush Soccer Club

Gorman on Fett: “Breckin is confident and calm on the ball, always playing with his head up and capable of finding solutions. He’s also strong and powerful in his play on, and off, the ball. He has a great mix of qualities and we’re excited to see that translate to his college career.”

Luca Grilla: MID – 6’0 – 155lbs. – Orlando, Fla.

Prior to UAlbany: Played for Orlando Seminole SC & Strive Academy

Gorman on Grilla: “Luca is a tenacious, hardworking, player who can perform in different positions. He’s quick on and off the ball, presses with intensity, and covers a lot of ground. We’re excited to add his qualities to our team.”

Kenan Kanic: MID – 5’7 – 160lbs. – Glenmont, N.Y.

Prior to UAlbany: Spent the 2022 & 2023 seasons at St Rose; Member of Blackwatch Soccer Club

Gorman on Kanic: “Kenan is an intelligent player who’s very good at anticipating and directing play. He understands the tempo of a match and can help a team control the game. He’s a local player very familiar with our program and we’re happy to add him to UAlbany.”

Max Kwitchoff: MID – 5’11 – 175lbs. – Tonawanda, N.Y.

Prior to UAlbany: Played for University of Rhode Island; Member of Rochester NYFC

Gorman on Kwitchoff: “Max is a strong, experienced, midfield player who’s already competed at a high level during his time at Rhode Island. He brings a toughness to the midfield with his actions and decisions. We think he adds important qualities to our group and we look forward to seeing his impact.”

Pedro Lucas: ATT – 6’0 – 170lbs. – Sao Paulo, Brazil

Prior to UAlbany: Played for Florida International University

Gorman on Lucas: “Pedro is a dynamic player with the ability to play out of tight spaces & create in the final third. He’s dangerous around the box and has good instincts to be in the right place at the right time. We look forward to adding him to our attacking group.”

Brennan McDermott: MID – 6’1 – 170lbs. – Rochester, N.Y.

Prior to UAlbany: Member of Rochester NYFC

Gorman on McDermott: “Brennan is another player very comfortable on the ball. He possesses an excellent range of passing that can open the game. He increases the tempo of a game with his movement and speed of play. We’re looking forward to seeing his impact in our midfield.”

Nassim Nouajaa: DEF – 6’2 – 175lbs. – Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Prior to UAlbany: Played for Eastern Oklahoma State College; Previously played for CF Montreal Academy

Gorman on Nouajaa: “Nassim is an athletic, strong, defender with great potential. He’s tough in the tackle, good in the air, and covers space well. He’s also comfortable on the ball and can be a key part of the build.”

Jordan Shullenberger: MID – 6’1 – 170lbs. – Waterbury, Vt.

Prior to UAlbany: Played for the Northwood School & BlackRock FC

Gorman on Shullenberger: “Jordan is a versatile player capable of different roles. He has the mobility to cover ground, an understanding of timing and tempo, and the toughness to win duels. He will be a strong addition to our group.”

Kodai Tsuzuki: GK – 6’5 – 185lbs. – Takahama, Japan

Prior to UAlbany: Played at Eastern Florida State College; Previously played for Kariya HS

Gorman on Tsuzuki: “Kodai is a goalkeeper who’s had good success in junior college and is looking forward to this new challenge. He has quick reflexes, good command of his box, and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet.”

Marcos Villanueva: MID – 6’1 – 170lbs. – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Prior to UAlbany: Played for Orlando City SC Academy; Member of Puerto Rican Youth National Teams 

Gorman on Villanueva: “Marcos is a composed player who is excellent at ball retention and breaking pressure. He tackles well and takes good covering angles in transition. He’s a player with international experience, and we are confident he’ll show his qualities at the Division I level.”

For updates on the UAlbany men's soccer team, follow the squad's official social media accounts on X and Instagram and UAlbany Athletics on Facebook.