Men's Soccer Finalizes 2019 Recruiting Class with Four Talented Additions

PHILADELPHIA – As the clock ticks down and a long awaited preseason begins, the Temple men's soccer squad has finalized its 2019 recruiting class with four impressive summer transfers. The newest group of Owls consists of student-athletes from Arizona, Maryland, France and Israel, adding to the outstanding recruiting class put together by head coach Brian Rowland and his staff.

"We are delighted to welcome Paul, Brandon, Lior and Mathieu to our Temple Soccer family," said Rowland. "Our staff is constantly looking to find top level talent to help us reach our goals as a program, and this group of student-athletes certainly brings a lot of quality to our team. Each will bring a level of maturity and experience to our team, and will compete with the current group of players to continue to push our team to new heights."

In total, the Cherry and White will welcome 17 new players on the pitch this season from all over the world. To learn more about the newest additions to the 2019 Temple men's soccer roster, information on the mid-years can be found here joined by the rest of the recruiting class here.

Paul Frendach / 5-10 / 165 / R-So. / M / Dunkirk, Md. / University of Maryland
Before Temple
Transfer from the University of Maryland, where he was a member of the 2018 National Championship squad…Appeared in two games and played 15 minutes as a redshirt freshman…Before Maryland, he led DeMatha Catholic to three WCAC Championships in 2013, 2014 and 2015…Named Varsity Player of the Year in 2014…Nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year in 2016…Earned First Team WCAC honors in 2016…Was a 2015 national semifinalist and 2016 State Cup champion with Celtic Soccer Club in Baltimore.

Why Temple
"I chose Temple because of the city atmosphere, the campus and the strong athletics. Also, I have family members that graduated from Temple and have nothing but great things to say about their experiences here."

From Coach Rowland
"Paul is a wonderful addition to our team. He has championship experience from his time at Maryland, and brings passion and energy to everything that he does. He will compete right away as a part of our midfield."

Mathieu Gadet / 5-6 / 145 / R-Fr. / W / Toulouse, France / Lycée Days
Before Temple
Played internationally for the French U-16 and U-17 National Teams…Was a member of the Irish U-18 National Team…Most recently played club for Olympique de Lyon in France.

Why Temple
"The people that most impacted my decision to come to Temple were Coach Rowland and Pierre Cayet. I really like the coaching philosophies and look forward to being in the city of Philadelphia."

From Coach Rowland
"We are excited to have Mathieu join our program. He is a dynamic attacking player, who was developed at the top French academy of Olympic Lyon. Mathieu also has a lot of international experience having competed for the French U-16 and U-17 National team, as well at the U-18 National team of Ireland."

Brandon Johnson / 5-10 / 185 / R-Jr. / D / Chandler, Ariz. / Grand Canyon
Before Temple
Transfer from Grand Canyon University…Was a part of the 2018 WAC championship team that qualified GCU for the NCAA tournament…Earned 11 starts in 21 games played at GCU…Before GCU, he helped his club team Sereno SC to a State League Championship as well as back-to-back State League finals appearances...Was named first team All-City at Mountain Pointe High School.

Why Temple
"I chose Temple for the great city atmosphere, the coaching philosophies and the academic opportunities the school has to offer."

From Coach Rowland
"We are very excited to welcome Brandon to Temple. He is a strong, physical central defender, who will fit in to our style of play very well. Brandon has started and played in many Division I games, which will bring a level of experience to our defensive group that will be very important."

Lior Nesher / 5-7 / 150 / Fr. / M / Hadera, Israel / Max Weber School
Before Temple
Played U-14 and U-15 with the Eintracht Frankfurt youth department soccer club in Germany…Went on to join the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim Academy, where he played for three years…Spent six months with RCD Mallorca during his senior career as a midfielder before moving to Slovenia to play in the first league for NK Krsko football club.

Why Temple
"Temple gives me a strong opportunity to pursue excellent academics while practicing soccer. The university encourages social, economic and lifestyle diversity and community engagement while emphasizing a balance of academics, sport and social life."

From Coach Rowland
"Lior is an extremely talented midfielder, who will compete to play right away. He will be a great fit within our team and our style of play. Lior is a highly technical player, and brings a lot of experience from his time in Europe, developing his game at some of the top clubs in Germany and Spain."