Men’s Soccer Announces 2016 Recruits

MEDIA, Pa. -- Penn State Brandywine first-year head men's soccer coach Jesse Zafiratos released his 2016 recruiting class, comprised of eight student-athletes, on Thursday.

The new group joins a large class of returners from the 2015 team which won the Penn State University Athletic Conference regular season title, but came up short in its quest to claim its third-straight conference tournament crown.

"Moving forward, I am excited to add this group to our already talented roster and see the hard work they've already put in come to fruition.  Anything short of a PSUAC championship in my eyes will be a disappointment as I know we have the talent, dedication and desire to make a deep run come November," said Zafiratos.

The Brandywine men's soccer class of 2020 includes Godwyn Akabogu, Bernard Avoulou, Stevie DiSipio, Willmark Lucero Perea, Gurgot Mann, Brad Martino, Dom Montalvo and Michael Usher.

Akabogu, a graduate of Upper Darby High School, was a member of the boys soccer team, where he won the Royals' sportsmanship award. He was also a member of the Upper Darby Distinguished Honor Roll.

"Godwyn plays in the midfield and should be able to push our current wingers for playing time throughout the season," said Zafiratos.

Avoulou was a four-year varsity member of the boys soccer team at State College High School where he scored 48 career goals, including 26 as a senior. Avoulou led State College to four consecutive appearances in the district finals, winning two, while also helping the team advance to the PIAA AAA state quarterfinals in 2009. A two-time all-state honoree, Avoulou was named as a Heartland Conference All-Star and also was one of the top scorers for the City Islanders U23 club team from 2013-15.

"Bernard is a game changer in every aspect. He will come in right away and make an immediate impact for us in the attacking third," said Zafiratos.

DiSipio played four years of soccer at Haverford High School and served as team captain. He also competed for the varsity tennis team for two seasons.

"Stevie will come in right away and contribute. He is very versatile and can play a multitude of positions on the field. His long throw ability will allow us to be even more dangerous in the attacking third," said Zafiratos.

Lucero Perea was a three-year team captain at Fairmont Heights High School in Hyattsville, Md. He played four years of soccer, winning team MVP as a junior and senior, while also competing for the baseball and track and field teams.
"Willmark is a very technically sound player from Maryland. He will be able to contribute for us right away in the holding mid spot. His experience will help him throughout this season," said Zafiratos.

Mann played two years of soccer at Marple Newtown High School where he was a defender.

"Gurgot is a very technically sound player and will make his mark for us in the back defensively," said Zafiratos.

Martino is a local product from Great Valley High School. A four-year member of the team, he helped the Patriots to a berth in the PIAA state semifinals.

"Brad is very good role player and comes from a great program at Great Valley," said Zafiratos.

Montalvo comes to Brandywine after competing for the St. Elizabeth (Del.) High School soccer team for four years. A two-year varsity member, he was named second team all-conference as a senior.

"Dom is from the Delaware area and has played on local club teams. He has a great work ethic which should help us for years to come," said Zafiratos.

Usher is a junior who transferred to Brandywine from Manor College after graduating from Archbishop Ryan High School. At Manor, he competed in 13 games over two years, scoring three goals, while adding three assists and was named all-conference in 2015.

"Michael comes from a great NJCAA program at Manor College where he earned all-conference status. He will make an immediate impact for us offensively and in the midfield," said Zafiratos.

Brandywine begins preseason practice on Tuesday, August 16 in anticipation of its season-opening game on Sept. 1 at home against Central Penn at 1:00 pm.