Men’s Soccer Announces Signing Class

PHILADELPHIA – First-year Temple men's soccer coach Brian Rowland announced today his 2018 Signing Class. The 16-member class consists of nine incoming freshmen and seven transfer student-athletes.

"I am extremely honored and proud to announce the 2018 Men's Soccer recruiting class to Temple University," Rowland stated. "This is a large and extremely talented group of players, who we expect to have a major impact in the future of the program. This class will address all areas and positions, and will allow us build a competitive culture within our team."

Our staff worked extremely hard at identifying both talented soccer players, but also young men who will bring excellent personal character to our program. I am very excited to welcome these young men to the Temple Men's Soccer family in just a few months, and can't wait to work with them and integrate them with our current team."

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Prince Agyei (6-2, 184, RFr, D, Takoma Park, Md./ UNC-Chapel Hill)
Redshirted freshman season at UNC-Chapel Hill. (Prior to UNC) • Played for the U17/18 D.C. United Academy team during the 2016-17 season • Previously competed with Barca FC (2015-16), Maryland United (2014-15), MFC Falcons (2012-14) and MFC Tigers (2009-12).
Why he chose Temple? "The coaching staff."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Prince will bring a great deal of passion and energy to the team this Fall. Prince possess great athletic ability and is an extremely hard worker. He has played at the highest level in academy soccer with DC United, and comes from a great program at UNC. We expect him to come in to compete and be a key defensive presence for us."

Jalen Campbell (6-1, 155, Fr, MF, Brampton, Ontario/ St. Edmund Campion)
Attended St. Edmund Campion, where he led his team to an overall record of 30-5-8. • A member of one of the top youth academies in Toronto, Vaughn Azzurri 2000, where he was a key figure in the team that was crowned OYSL Champions.
Why he chose Temple? "What most influenced me to attend Temple is all the social, academic and athletic amenities that the school has to offer."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Jalen comes from a talented youth academy in Toronto which has produced many top Division 1 players in recent years. Jalen is a tremendous player that has both athletic and technical abilities. We expect Jalen to have an impact right away, and also develop his game to be a top college midfielder. Jalen has a wonderful feel for the game and has great range to his game."

Andres Charles-Barrera (5-11, 170, Fr, MF, Coquitlam, British Columbia/ Burnaby Central Sec. School)
Spent the last three seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency. • During 2017 season, was a member of the Canada U18 National Team.
Why he chose Temple? "What most influenced me to come to Temple was the vibe of the campus and the soccer team. This is a whole new experience for me and I am ecstatic to get started."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Andres comes from one of the top youth academies in North America, the Vancouver Whitecaps. He has been a key player throughout his time there, and has been involved with the Canadian National team for his age group. Andres is a composed, technical and tactical player, with great passing range, who will be a big asset to our midfield. Andres is very well prepared to help dictate our style of play and can help us build attacking movements as well as be a ball winning defensive midfielder."

Christian Contreras (5-6, 145, Fr, MF, Hightstown, N. J./ Hightstown High School)
As a senior, recorded six goals & seven assists in nine games for Hightstown High School varsity team. • Member of Philadelphia Union USSDA from 2014-2017, while also being called into multiple U.S Youth National Team combines.
Why he chose Temple? "The education at Temple is first class and the opportunity to play makes the experience even more to look forward to. After my injury, the belief the coaching staff had in me to come in and compete at a very high level got my interest. It's a team that has high expectations and building a new squad so I am very excited to be a part of it."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Christian is an exciting talent that will come into our team and compete right away. He has great ideas and technical skill in the attack, and will be a wonderful addition to our group. Christian has spent his development years at two of the best local development academies, Philadelphia Union and Match Fit (NJ)."

Tyler Gainer (5-7, 148, So, D, Carmel, Ind./ Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis)
As a freshman at IUPUI, he appeared in all 17 matches, making 16 starts, logging 1,117 minutes. • Had three shot attempts, putting one on frame from his defensive spot • His lone shot on goal came in the season finale at Wright State on Nov. 3 • Played at least 90 minutes in a game three different times. • Chosen to IUPUI's Academic Advisor's List (3.0 GPA or better) for the fall semester. • Played for the Indiana Fire Development Academy U15/16 & U18/U19 teams, starting 34 of 45 games. • Was a member of Indiana's State ODP Team from 2011-14.
Why he chose Temple? "The city of Philadelphia has a lot to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Temple also has one of the best Kinesiology programs in the country."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Tyler brings a lot of in game experience at the D1 level, having started in 16 games as a freshman. Before IUPUI, Tyler was at Indiana Fire Academy, and has a great background in playing and competing at the highest youth level in our country. Tyler will bring a strong work rate, competitiveness, and athleticism to our backline next fall."

Michele Ganz (5-7, 165, So, FWD, Vallada Agordina, Italy/ Lindenwood University)
Started all 16 games during freshman year at Lindenwood University. • Finished the season as the top scorer, accounting for 11 goals and three assists. • Unanimous First Team MIAA Conference selection, while also being named the MIAA Freshman of the Year. • Selected to the D2CCA All-Central Region team. • A member of Udinese Youth Academy before arriving at Lindenwood.
Why he chose Temple? "The great mentality, and the people that respect it."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Michele comes to us from a very good NCAA DII program, where he played in 16 games and scored 11 goals as a freshman. Michele is a product of the Udinese youth set up in Italy, and will bring our attack some speed as well as an ability to create and score goals. Michele is a competitor who is hungry to make his mark on our team."

Gabe Harms (5-6, 145, RFr., D, Berwyn, Pa./ Ohio State University)
Redshirted freshman year at Ohio State University. • Played club soccer for FC Europa. • Was awarded first team all-central league, first team all-main line and defensive MVP of the league during his junior year at Conestoga High. • Was a second team all-central league, first team all-main line and honorable mention all-Southeastern PA during his senior year. • Won a state title in 2016 for club, appearing in the 2016 regional championships and winning the 2015 Disney Showcase.
Why he chose Temple? "The coaches and the school in general influenced me to attend Temple the most. With the new coaching staff Temple has hired I knew that it would be in my best interest to play under these coaches in order to grow as a player and to get better on and off the field. With Temple being in the city of Philadelphia that influenced me as well as I love city schools and loved what Temple had to offer me."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Gabe is a local player that we are really happy to have brought back to Philadelphia. He is a committed and dedicated player, who has a great deal of skill and athletic ability. His energy and desire to compete, will allow him to come in and hit the ground running as we prepare for the fall season"

Aaron Laranetto (5-9, 171, Sr, MF, Bridgewater, Conn./ Florida Atlantic University)
Started 40 out of a possible 42 matches in the midfield in three seasons at Florida Atlantic University (2014-2017), recording four assists. • (Prior to FAU) Named All State and All New England during senior year. • Named All New England during junior year. • Amassed 34 goals & 13 assists during high school career. • A member of USSDA with Beachside S.C prior to attending South Kent School.
Why he chose Temple? "I chose Temple because I felt like it was the best place for me to continue to grow as a student athlete. Playing at Temple will allow me to receive a first class education and continue playing at the highest level of college soccer."
Coach Rowland Quote: "We are very excited to welcome Aaron to Temple. Aaron has been a three-year starter at the NCAA DI level, and will bring versatility, technical skill, and a great tactical feel for the game to our midfield. Aaron will fit very well into our system and style of play."

Simon Lefebvre (6-9, 210, Jr, GK, Ossun, France/ UFR Staps Montpellier)
Developed in the Girondins de Bordeaux academy from 2010-2016. • Made 18 appearances with the reserve team.
Why he chose Temple? "The opportunity to take quality courses and play at the highest university level in soccer, and to experience life in a new country."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Simon will be a huge asset to the Temple Soccer program. He has played at a very high level in his native France. Simon brings a great deal of experience and maturity to our team, and is a physically imposing goalkeeper with great athleticism."

Santiago Majewski (6-3, 175, Fr, MF, San Diego, Calif./ Torrey Pines High School)
Captain of Torrey Pines Varsity Soccer team. • All-Academic team from the San Diego Union Tribune. • San Diego Hall of Champions All-CIF Boys Second Team. • All Avocado West League First Team. • Torrey Pines High School Player of the Year. • Finished senior season 26-1-4 with 12 goals and five assists. • School's first CIF State Championship, while finishing the season ranked 3rd in the state of California, & 6th nationally. • Finished his high school career with an overall record of 40-8-6. • Played club soccer for Notts Forest F.C & San Diego Surf Academy.
Why he chose Temple? "The Academic program in Exercise and Sport Science, the Division one program, and the East Coast big city experience."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Santiago comes to us from California, and the club team Notts Forrest FC. He is a very versatile midfield player who can also play in the backline. Santiago has very good technical ability, and tactically understands the way we want to play."

Virak Nhek (6-0, 148, Fr, D, Harrisburg, Pa./ Central Dauphin High School)
Member of PA Classics USSDA team from 2016-2018, where he started 28 out of 41 games at the left back position. • Played high school soccer for Central Dauphin High School Varsity, where he started every game as a sophomore.
Why he chose Temple? "Parents, brother, coaching staff."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Virak, is another local talent that comes from the PA Classic Development Academy. Virak will compete on the left side of our backline, and has a great set of technical skills to bring to our team. We expect him to come in and compete and bring energy to our group day in and day out."

Daniel Nugent (6-0, 160, Fr. MF, Washington, D.C./ School Without Walls High School)
Four-year member of DC United Academy. • Has competed overseas in Holland, Spain, England and Italy.
Why he chose Temple? "I really liked the coaching staff and the fact that Temple had a strong academic program in a big city."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Danny is an exciting young midfielder coming from a top MLS academy team at DC United. Danny had both the physical tools, and technical ability to flourish with us during his career. He is competitive and passionate player, who will bring a great mentality and energy to Temple."

Ben Silverstein (5-9, 145, Fr, D, Wayne, Pa./ Oak Grove High School)
Two Time team Captain for Oak Grove High School. • Led team to state finals for first time in school history in 2017. • Led Oak Grove to an overall record of 24-8-8, while also amassing 29 career goals & 13 career assists.
Coach Rowland Quote: "Ben is an exciting addition to our backline and defensive group. He is a technical player who fits our style, and will help us control possession. Ben sees the game very well and understands how we want to play."

Jacob Silverstein (6-1, 160, Fr, MF, Wayne, Pa./ YSC Academy)
Member of the first ever Carpi FC U17 team (Italy), while being the only US born player to make the squad. • Member of the Philadelphia Union U16 Academy team that won the USSDA Atlantic East division and finished 4th in the Development Academy playoffs as well as advancing to the knockout stages of the Generation Adidas tournament (2014-2016). • Part of the inaugural U14 Philadelphia Union Academy team in 2013 that competed with the team in multiple showcases throughout the country, as well as in the Aspire tournament in Qatar. • Member of New York Red Bulls Academy team (2012). • Attended multiple US Soccer Market trainings along with a US Soccer youth National team camp.
Why he chose Temple? "Through conversations with Coach Rowland, I started to get the feeling that he was going to build something really special at Temple. Having lived in the Philadelphia area and knowing what I did about the location of the school, its vast alumni network, study abroad and professional opportunities outside of the main campus, convinced me that Temple was the place where I could develop the most as a student, athlete, and person."
Coach Rowland Quote: "Jacob is great addition to our midfield. He has the technical and tactical ideas to fit in very well with our vision and style of play. Jacob has spent time with NYRB and Philadelphia Union academies, in addition to being a part of the US youth national teams as a younger player. Jacob is a very driven and determined young man, who will bring those characteristics to our team both on and off the field."

Stan Vandierendonck (5-9, 150, So, MF, Herne, Belgium/ Odisee Hogeschool Belgium)
Developed in some of the top youth academies in Belgium. • A member of AFC Tubize from 2006-2010, before spending time with RSC Anderlecht youth academy from 2010-2012. • Was key member of KAA Gent youth academy from 2012-2017, while also being called into the Belgium U17 National Team.
Why he chose Temple? "It's always being a dream to study abroad and so I discovered there was a possibility to combine my passion with my studies. So the opportunity universities give to student-athletes is amazing! The reason why I chose Temple University was the fact that coaches were convinced that I would be a good fit in their team in combination with studying in a big city with a university that has a great reputation!"
Coach Rowland Quote: "We are very excited to welcome Stan to Philadelphia and Temple University. Stan is a two-way midfield player who can influence the game with his technical ability and passing range. He has gained tremendous experience with his time at KAA Gent and RSC Anderlecht and has also been involved with the U-17 Belgian National team. Stan is player who can impact the game in multiple midfield positions, and will be a great asset on both sides of the ball. "

Elias Hellgren Villegas (6-3, 194, Fr, F, Stockholm, Sweden/ Thorén Business School
Spent his youth career developing within the IF Brommapojkarna youth academy. • Captained IF Brommapojkarna U19 team to the prestigious Ligacupen title in 2017, while also leading the tournament in goals scored. • Selected to all district team after scoring 18 goals in 12 games during league play. • Also spent time with IF Brommapojkarna U21 during 2017 season.
Why he chose Temple? "The city and the opportunities that the school and the city offers."
Coach Rowland Quote on Elias: "Elias is a very talented and exciting player. He enrolled here this spring, so we have seen some of what he can be capable of. He is a prototypical target forward, with great technical gifts and an ability to score goals in a number of ways. Elias is also a very intelligent player with excellent soccer IQ and a good understanding of how I want the team to play. "

Temple University Athletics

Men’s Soccer Announces Signing Class

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