Although headlines the past few weeks have been dominated by Chad Morris’s new recruiting class and the SMU Men Basketball team’s undefeated run, SMU Men Soccer Coach Kevin Hudson has quietly been crafting his own incoming freshman class. The results? Phenomenal.
After concluding the regular season with a 2-1 loss to Akron in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, Hudson and the Mustangs hit the recruiting trail. And they hit it hard. Just days after the NCAA Football National signing day, Hudson announced the addition of 10 new players to an already deep roster. These new additions give the Mustangs even more to build on as they move into next season. Here is a look at the SMU Men’s Soccer Team’s most recent signees.
Excited to add this great group of players! Big things ahead for the SMU Men’s Soccer Team in 2016. https://t.co/oRUqG4VYaB #ponyup
— Kevin Hudson – SMU (@SMUCoachHUDDY) February 10, 2016
Jacob Cohen F/MF: Cohen measures 6’1, giving him a unique combination of size and technical prowess. Cohen will bring his experience from captaining the 98 SC Del Sol team
Boston Gilbert MF: Gilbert, an in state signee reigning from San Antonio, will add even more depth to the Midfield position for the Mustangs. Gilbert also brings previous leadership background, having served as the team Captain for both his high school and club teams.
Brandon Guhl F: Guhl will add an electrifying element to the Mustang’s offense. Guhl has been recognized as the top goal scorer in Texas, and ranked 3rd nationally in scoring during his Junior season. He will look to make an immediate impact for SMU.
Patrick Michael Hillyard GK: While Hillyard likely won’t have the chance to make an immediate impact in the fall, he possesses great potential and will have the chance to compete for playing time in the future.
Grant Makela GK: Similar to Hillyard, Makela likely won’t make an immediate impact on the field. However, his 6’4 frame makes him a menace in goal and gives him an extremely high ceiling.
Garrett McLaughlin F: McLaughlin brings experience playing with Oklahoma FC, and bring accolades including the 2015 Oklahoma Player of the Year. Coaches will look for McLaughlin to make an immediate impact and diversify the Mustang’s offense.
Edwin Munjoma: Munjoma’s experience with FC Dallas provides him with a strong foundation which he brings to the Mustangs. After losing two Senior Defenders, Munjoma will help maintain depth at the position.
Philip Ponder D: Ponder also brings prior experience training with FC Dallas, and packs tremendous potential at the defensive positon. Will look to further hone his skills when he arrives to the Hilltop in the Fall, and potentially compete for playing time
Dwight Williams Jr. MF à Rated as a 4 star recruit and ranked the #22 forward in the class, Williams will look to use his experience playing for the United States youth national teams to make a prompt impact in his Freshman season.
Toshiki Yasuda MF: Yasuda comes in as a top 50 recruit nationally, and brings prior experience training with FC Dallas. Coaches expect for Yasuda to use ability to create offensive opportunities immediately when he arrives on campus in the Fall.
SMU already boasts an impressive roster, returning the majority of their starters, including Forward Mauro Cichero, who led the team in goals scored with 10, and Defender Jared Rice, who led the team in assists with 10. With the addition of the incoming freshman, the Mustangs should already have their sights set on a deep run into the 2016 NCAA Tournament.