The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Men's Soccer Announces 10-Member 2018 Signing Class
February 12 | Men's Soccer
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UPDATED SPRING 2018 ROSTER (PDF) | SPRING SCHEDULE RELEASE
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron Men's Soccer squad under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Jared Embick, has announced a talented 10-member signing class for 2018.
Donning the Akron uniform this fall will be Dion Akhigbe (Copley, Ohio), Colin Biros (Canton, Ohio), Cristian Gennaro (Biella, Italy), Nick McCausland (Akron, Ohio), Marco Milanese (Isernia, Italy), Ivan Nikolic (Toronto, Ontario), Daniel Oliveira (Lisbon, Portugal), Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon Portugal), Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N.Y.) and Sam Tojaga (Erie, Pa.).
The signing class features a pair of players ranked among the top 150 players nationally in the Boys IMG Academy 150 as rated by TopDrawerSoccer.com in Biros (No. 55) and Ritaccio (No. 63).
College Soccer News rates Tojaga (No. 112) among its list of the top 150 players in the United States.
A winger/forward from Copley, Ohio, Akhigbe helped his Ohio Youth Soccer Association North Challenger squad posted an undefeated record en route to winning the Division I Midwest Regional League title in 2013-14. He led Copley to a Suburban League championship as a sophomore in 2015 and was a member of Challenger State Championship and State Runner-Up teams in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Embick on Akhigbe – "Dion is a winger and is another local player that will bring pace and width into our attack. We want to take advantage of his speed and ability to run at defenders, which should help us open up the game. Dion has a tremendous attitude and mindset, and we are excited to watch him develop and thrive in our system."
A native of Canton, Ohio, Biros, a winger/forward is ranked No. 55 nationally in the class of 2018 by TopDrawerSoccer.com. He is also rated fifth in the Great Lakes Region and as the 20th-ranked midfielder in the country. A year ago, he netted seven goals in 13 contests with the Crew SC Academy U-18/U-19 squad. He registered 12 goals in 28 games the season before splitting time between the Crew SC Academy U-15/U-16 and U-17/U-18 teams in 2016-17. Additionally, he tallied six goals with the U-15/U-16 squad for the 2015-16 campaign, while earning All-County accolades as a freshman at Jackson High School.
Embick on Biros – "Colin Is a winger or attacking mid. He brings play-making ability, scoring and high technical ability. He has played for the Crew Academy and is a local kid that we have watched for many years. I love his feisty competitive nature and he gives us someone who can play in between the lines and create goals and assists. He is another natural fit for Akron Soccer."
A native of Biella, Italy, Gennaro, an attacking midfielder, garnered valuable playing experience with Orizzonti United in the Eccellenza League and Fulgor Valdengo and Città di Cossato in the Promozione League in addition to playing soccer for local academies as a youth. Gennero is regarded as very talented attacking midfielder, a #10 kind of player, who likes to play the ball on the ground because of his incredible touch.
Embick on Gennaro – "Cristian is an attacking midfielder who brings the ability to play in tight spaces and open up the game with his ability to create and drive out of midfield. He has a knack for scoring and creating goals and will give us creativity in the middle of the field."
An Akron, Ohio native, McCausland, a defender, played three campaigns at Green High School before focusing his training this past season with the Internationals Academy in the United States Development Academy. A two-time team most valuable player honoree, he earned All-Ohio accolades as a junior, as well as twice being named an all-district and all-conference selection. He helped lead Green to a regional final appearance as a sophomore and was a member of a national runner-up Futsal squad.
Embick on McCausland – "Nick is a defender who brings versatility, toughness, quickness and passing to our defense. He can play all four positions in the back line. We really like his combination of toughness, mentality and passing coming out of the back. We really look for him to develop into another one of our cornerstone defensive players that have come out of Ohio."
A native of Isernia, Italy, Milanese, a center back, gained valuable playing experience this past year for Isernia in the Eccellenza League. A team captain for the Italian U-15 and U-17 squads, he also played for a youth club in Torino in the Berretti League before moving to Naples, Italy, to compete for the Napoli U-17 team. As a youth, he played for several landmark clubs such as Parma, where he competed in the Allievi Nazionali League.
Embick on Milanese – "Marco is a left center back that has played at a very high level of youth soccer in Napoli, and he ticks all the boxes we look for in an Akron defender. He is extremely technical and possesses great awareness on the ball, and we will look to build our attacks through him and his excellent passing ability."
A native of Toronto, Ontario, Nikolic, a forward, is a product of the Sigma FC program in Toronto, Ontario. A three-time team Most Valuable Player, he was the top-goal scorer for Silverthorn Collegiate Institute in each of his four seasons, where he led his squad to a Provincial Championship in 2016. He gained valuable experience training with the Serbian National Team and Red Star Belgrade in 2016. Member of Soccer Alliance Academy Canada U-20 championship squads in 2017 with Sigma FC, including winning the SAAC U-20 Cup title.
Embick on Nikolic – "Ivan is a forward, who is a highly intelligent player with great finishing ability. I really like his movement off the ball and his ability to link up play with his teammates. His scoring record thru his youth career shows not only his ability, but also his drive and competitive nature, which make him a superb fit for the Zips."
A native of Lisbon, Portugal, Oliveira, a defender, helped lead his Sporting CP squad to a pair of Lisbon Championships, while serving as team captain for three seasons. He was a member of the U-17 Lisbon team that advanced to the National Championships en route to a pair of fifth-place finishes in the country. He participated in numerous national and international competitions with Sporting CP and Clube de Futebol Os Belenenses.
Embick on Oliveira – "Daniel is a right back, who is a great passer and links defense to attack very well. He has played his youth soccer at high level in Portugal. We are really excited about his ability to help us attack as a fullback. He can overlap and gives great delivery in the final third, but also possesses the ability to help us play out of pressure in the buildup."
A native of Lisbon, Portugal, Pacheco, a winger/forward, has spent the past year competing for the G.S. Loures and Alverca Futebol Clubs. He helped his Clube de Futebol Os Belenenses squad capture a vice-championship at the U-19 National Championship during the 2016-17 season. Additionally, he gained valuable playing experience with Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Odivelas Futebol Clubs.
Embick on Pacheco – "Diogo is a winger/forward, who is another creative attacking player. He gives us pace and quickness and has played at a very high level in Portugal. He is a versatile attacking player that can play wide or in a central position. His versatility will help us vary his positioning to breakdown opponents."
A Westbury, N.Y., native, Ritaccio, a center back, is ranked No. 63 nationally in the class of 2018 by TopDrawerSoccer.com, including the top-rated recruit in New York. Additionally, he is rated No. 3 in the New York Region and the 18th-ranked defender in the country. A member of the U.S. Soccer residency program in Bradenton Fla., he has earned U.S. Soccer National Team invitations in the U-14, U-15 and U-17 age groups. Additionally, he played in the 2016 Nike International Friendlies with a United States' squad that won the title, including making an appearance versus Brazil. His BW Gottschee Club were the champions of the Northeast Academy Conference in 2016-17 and were ranked top 20 nationally at the conclusion of the academy campaign.
Embick on Ritaccio – "Carlo is a defender that brings personality, toughness and is a top defender. He comes from the USA U-17 residency program and BW Gottschee Club team. He is a great reader of the game and is very tough to beat one on one and has good passing range out of the back. Carlo defensive ability will bring balance to our team and his personality will bring leadership and toughness to our squad."
A defensive midfielder, Tojaga, a native of Erie, Pa., helped lead his Real Salt Lake Academy earn a third-place finish at the United States Soccer Development Academy U-16 championships in 2017. His Real Salt Lake Academy team reached the championship bracket at the Generation Adidas Cup in 2017, where they played Real Madrid. He is the eighth-rated player in the Rocky Mountains/Southwest Region.
Embick on Tojaga – "Sam is a defensive midfielder that brings size, range and technical ability. He comes from a club that plays a great brand of soccer. They have been one of the best academy teams in recent years and I feel he still has his best soccer in front of him. He really meets what we look for in players in terms of soccer IQ, talent and character."
2018 Akron Men's Soccer Signing Class
Dion Akhigbe, winger/forward, Copley, Ohio (Internationals Academy)
Colin Biros, winger/forward, Canton, Ohio (Crew SC Academy)
Cristian Gennaro, attacking midfielder, Biella, Italy
Nick McCausland, defender, Akron, Ohio (Internationals Academy)
Marco Milanese, center back, Isernia, Italy (Isernia)
Ivan Nikolic, forward, Toronto, Ontario (Sigma FC)
Daniel Oliveira, defender, Lisbon, Portugal (Sporting SP)
Diogo Pacheco, winger/forward, Lisbon, Portugal (G.S. Loures/A.C.CACEM)
Carlo Ritaccio, center back, Westbury, N.Y. (BW Gottschee Club)
Sam Tojaga, defensive midfielder, Erie, Pa. (Real Salt Lake)
UPDATED SPRING 2018 ROSTER (PDF) | SPRING SCHEDULE RELEASE
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron Men's Soccer squad under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Jared Embick, has announced a talented 10-member signing class for 2018.
Donning the Akron uniform this fall will be Dion Akhigbe (Copley, Ohio), Colin Biros (Canton, Ohio), Cristian Gennaro (Biella, Italy), Nick McCausland (Akron, Ohio), Marco Milanese (Isernia, Italy), Ivan Nikolic (Toronto, Ontario), Daniel Oliveira (Lisbon, Portugal), Diogo Pacheco (Lisbon Portugal), Carlo Ritaccio (Westbury, N.Y.) and Sam Tojaga (Erie, Pa.).
The signing class features a pair of players ranked among the top 150 players nationally in the Boys IMG Academy 150 as rated by TopDrawerSoccer.com in Biros (No. 55) and Ritaccio (No. 63).
College Soccer News rates Tojaga (No. 112) among its list of the top 150 players in the United States.
A winger/forward from Copley, Ohio, Akhigbe helped his Ohio Youth Soccer Association North Challenger squad posted an undefeated record en route to winning the Division I Midwest Regional League title in 2013-14. He led Copley to a Suburban League championship as a sophomore in 2015 and was a member of Challenger State Championship and State Runner-Up teams in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Embick on Akhigbe – "Dion is a winger and is another local player that will bring pace and width into our attack. We want to take advantage of his speed and ability to run at defenders, which should help us open up the game. Dion has a tremendous attitude and mindset, and we are excited to watch him develop and thrive in our system."
A native of Canton, Ohio, Biros, a winger/forward is ranked No. 55 nationally in the class of 2018 by TopDrawerSoccer.com. He is also rated fifth in the Great Lakes Region and as the 20th-ranked midfielder in the country. A year ago, he netted seven goals in 13 contests with the Crew SC Academy U-18/U-19 squad. He registered 12 goals in 28 games the season before splitting time between the Crew SC Academy U-15/U-16 and U-17/U-18 teams in 2016-17. Additionally, he tallied six goals with the U-15/U-16 squad for the 2015-16 campaign, while earning All-County accolades as a freshman at Jackson High School.
Embick on Biros – "Colin Is a winger or attacking mid. He brings play-making ability, scoring and high technical ability. He has played for the Crew Academy and is a local kid that we have watched for many years. I love his feisty competitive nature and he gives us someone who can play in between the lines and create goals and assists. He is another natural fit for Akron Soccer."
A native of Biella, Italy, Gennaro, an attacking midfielder, garnered valuable playing experience with Orizzonti United in the Eccellenza League and Fulgor Valdengo and Città di Cossato in the Promozione League in addition to playing soccer for local academies as a youth. Gennero is regarded as very talented attacking midfielder, a #10 kind of player, who likes to play the ball on the ground because of his incredible touch.
Embick on Gennaro – "Cristian is an attacking midfielder who brings the ability to play in tight spaces and open up the game with his ability to create and drive out of midfield. He has a knack for scoring and creating goals and will give us creativity in the middle of the field."
An Akron, Ohio native, McCausland, a defender, played three campaigns at Green High School before focusing his training this past season with the Internationals Academy in the United States Development Academy. A two-time team most valuable player honoree, he earned All-Ohio accolades as a junior, as well as twice being named an all-district and all-conference selection. He helped lead Green to a regional final appearance as a sophomore and was a member of a national runner-up Futsal squad.
Embick on McCausland – "Nick is a defender who brings versatility, toughness, quickness and passing to our defense. He can play all four positions in the back line. We really like his combination of toughness, mentality and passing coming out of the back. We really look for him to develop into another one of our cornerstone defensive players that have come out of Ohio."
A native of Isernia, Italy, Milanese, a center back, gained valuable playing experience this past year for Isernia in the Eccellenza League. A team captain for the Italian U-15 and U-17 squads, he also played for a youth club in Torino in the Berretti League before moving to Naples, Italy, to compete for the Napoli U-17 team. As a youth, he played for several landmark clubs such as Parma, where he competed in the Allievi Nazionali League.
Embick on Milanese – "Marco is a left center back that has played at a very high level of youth soccer in Napoli, and he ticks all the boxes we look for in an Akron defender. He is extremely technical and possesses great awareness on the ball, and we will look to build our attacks through him and his excellent passing ability."
A native of Toronto, Ontario, Nikolic, a forward, is a product of the Sigma FC program in Toronto, Ontario. A three-time team Most Valuable Player, he was the top-goal scorer for Silverthorn Collegiate Institute in each of his four seasons, where he led his squad to a Provincial Championship in 2016. He gained valuable experience training with the Serbian National Team and Red Star Belgrade in 2016. Member of Soccer Alliance Academy Canada U-20 championship squads in 2017 with Sigma FC, including winning the SAAC U-20 Cup title.
Embick on Nikolic – "Ivan is a forward, who is a highly intelligent player with great finishing ability. I really like his movement off the ball and his ability to link up play with his teammates. His scoring record thru his youth career shows not only his ability, but also his drive and competitive nature, which make him a superb fit for the Zips."
A native of Lisbon, Portugal, Oliveira, a defender, helped lead his Sporting CP squad to a pair of Lisbon Championships, while serving as team captain for three seasons. He was a member of the U-17 Lisbon team that advanced to the National Championships en route to a pair of fifth-place finishes in the country. He participated in numerous national and international competitions with Sporting CP and Clube de Futebol Os Belenenses.
Embick on Oliveira – "Daniel is a right back, who is a great passer and links defense to attack very well. He has played his youth soccer at high level in Portugal. We are really excited about his ability to help us attack as a fullback. He can overlap and gives great delivery in the final third, but also possesses the ability to help us play out of pressure in the buildup."
A native of Lisbon, Portugal, Pacheco, a winger/forward, has spent the past year competing for the G.S. Loures and Alverca Futebol Clubs. He helped his Clube de Futebol Os Belenenses squad capture a vice-championship at the U-19 National Championship during the 2016-17 season. Additionally, he gained valuable playing experience with Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Odivelas Futebol Clubs.
Embick on Pacheco – "Diogo is a winger/forward, who is another creative attacking player. He gives us pace and quickness and has played at a very high level in Portugal. He is a versatile attacking player that can play wide or in a central position. His versatility will help us vary his positioning to breakdown opponents."
A Westbury, N.Y., native, Ritaccio, a center back, is ranked No. 63 nationally in the class of 2018 by TopDrawerSoccer.com, including the top-rated recruit in New York. Additionally, he is rated No. 3 in the New York Region and the 18th-ranked defender in the country. A member of the U.S. Soccer residency program in Bradenton Fla., he has earned U.S. Soccer National Team invitations in the U-14, U-15 and U-17 age groups. Additionally, he played in the 2016 Nike International Friendlies with a United States' squad that won the title, including making an appearance versus Brazil. His BW Gottschee Club were the champions of the Northeast Academy Conference in 2016-17 and were ranked top 20 nationally at the conclusion of the academy campaign.
Embick on Ritaccio – "Carlo is a defender that brings personality, toughness and is a top defender. He comes from the USA U-17 residency program and BW Gottschee Club team. He is a great reader of the game and is very tough to beat one on one and has good passing range out of the back. Carlo defensive ability will bring balance to our team and his personality will bring leadership and toughness to our squad."
A defensive midfielder, Tojaga, a native of Erie, Pa., helped lead his Real Salt Lake Academy earn a third-place finish at the United States Soccer Development Academy U-16 championships in 2017. His Real Salt Lake Academy team reached the championship bracket at the Generation Adidas Cup in 2017, where they played Real Madrid. He is the eighth-rated player in the Rocky Mountains/Southwest Region.
Embick on Tojaga – "Sam is a defensive midfielder that brings size, range and technical ability. He comes from a club that plays a great brand of soccer. They have been one of the best academy teams in recent years and I feel he still has his best soccer in front of him. He really meets what we look for in players in terms of soccer IQ, talent and character."
2018 Akron Men's Soccer Signing Class
Dion Akhigbe, winger/forward, Copley, Ohio (Internationals Academy)
Colin Biros, winger/forward, Canton, Ohio (Crew SC Academy)
Cristian Gennaro, attacking midfielder, Biella, Italy
Nick McCausland, defender, Akron, Ohio (Internationals Academy)
Marco Milanese, center back, Isernia, Italy (Isernia)
Ivan Nikolic, forward, Toronto, Ontario (Sigma FC)
Daniel Oliveira, defender, Lisbon, Portugal (Sporting SP)
Diogo Pacheco, winger/forward, Lisbon, Portugal (G.S. Loures/A.C.CACEM)
Carlo Ritaccio, center back, Westbury, N.Y. (BW Gottschee Club)
Sam Tojaga, defensive midfielder, Erie, Pa. (Real Salt Lake)
Players Mentioned
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