Men’s Soccer Welcomes 13 Newcomers to 2023 Roster

Canisius men's soccer head coach Michael Tanke announced Friday the 13 newcomers that have joined the Golden Griffins' program for the 2023 season.

"We'd like to officially welcome these 13 individuals and their families to the Canisius men's soccer program," Tanke said. "In addition to three Western New Yorkers and two Canadians, we're adding student-athletes from Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky and Maryland. Finding 13 of the right soccer players is hard enough, but it's particularly difficult to find 13 of the right people. Still, we believe we did just that with this recruiting class. It's now up to the boys to prove us right every day in training, in the classroom and within our campus community."

Tanke's comments on all 13 newcomers, along with links to their respective bio pages, can be found below.

Gael Arceo – Orland Park, Illinois – Chicago Sockers MLS NEXT
"Gael is a player with fantastic defensive instincts. He's capable of defending 1v1 in space as well as more proactive defending moments to stop counter attacks. He's comfortable playing in a back three and a back four. We thrilled this opportunity worked out for him."

Matthew Fischer – Toronto, Ontario – TFC
"Matthew is an exciting attacking player arriving to us from TFC. He can play on the last line or underneath, out wide or centrally. He's technically very clean and has popped up with some very good goals at the U19 level. We have no doubts that once Matthew is consistent defensively at the college level, he'll be a top player."

Edson Flores – Chicago, Illinois – FC United MLS NEXT
"Following Michael Switala's footsteps, Eddie is another player coming to us from FC United in Chicago. He can play as a 10 or 7/11. His energy and willingness to run in behind are qualities we value and he has good instincts against the ball too. Once Eddie adjusts to college, on and off the field, he'll be massive."

Jason Hernandez – Napa, California – SF Glens MLS NEXT
"Having played the majority of his youth career with Napa United, Jason took a gap year this past season with SF Glens. He's an '04, a year older than most of the incoming freshmen. He's really shown a level of commitment and maturity, working during the day, and driving to SF from Napa for training every night. We're excited to see what Jason can develop into here at Canisius."

Kennan King – Louisville, Kentucky – Louisville City FC
"Kennan arrives highly recommended by his GK trainer, an old friend of mine, Chris Cahill. He's a good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet. At a young age Kennan's already learned how to persevere and improve, beginning as the #2 but earning the #1 role in both the high school and club soccer environments."

Mason Petrucci – St. Catharines, Ontario – TFC
"Another '04 who took a gap year in 2022-2023, Mason was a consistent starter for the TFC U19 side that qualified for MLS NEXT Playoffs. Like his club teammate Matthew Fischer, Mason is a versatile attacking player with a knack for scoring goals. Between his finishing and capacity to counter-press, we're anticipating Mason will adjust quickly to the college game."

Alberto Reyes – New Canaan, Connecticut – NYSC MLS NEXT
"Alberto is extremely good in tight spaces. He can play 6, 8, and 10. He's physically strong and doesn't lose possession cheaply. He has room to improve against the ball but has time and some pretty good role models to learn from."

Ben Schmidt – Lancaster, New York – Shattuck St. Mary's
"I first saw Ben play during the summer of 2017, then coached him in a shortened 2019-20 season, and now couldn't be more excited to work with him again. Although Ben is a WNY local, he is arriving from high school in Minnesota where he played at Shattuck St. Mary's in MLS NEXT. An interior attacking player with great technique, we're happy Ben is back home in Buffalo."

Carter Sewell – Madison, Alabama – HVS MLS NEXT
"Carter is a goalkeeper with huge potential. He already has the physical qualities for this level. Commuting from Huntsville to Birmingham 2-4 times per week, Carter has a fantastic mentality and has shown an eagerness to learn and improve. We are looking forward to his development."

Kevin Villacorta – Sykesville, Maryland – Baltimore Armour MLS NEXT
"Kevin pretty much played every minute of the season for a Baltimore Armour side who made the MLS NEXT playoffs. He's a left-sided defender who can do a little bit of everything. He has experience playing the left back and center back in a back 5 and a back 4. He's also played as a winger and on the right side. He's a Swiss army knife type of player that is invaluable to any program."

Miles Wadiche – Birmingham, Alabama – Barca Residency AZ
"Miles has a real soccer intelligence. He picks up good positions and knows how to use his body. Like Ben Schmidt, Miles left home early for a residential soccer academy. The training environment he's coming from in Arizona is unique in this country and we hope Miles can bring some of that experience to add to our culture."

Elliott Weber – Williamsville, New York – RNY FC MLS NEXT
"Another '04 off the back of a gap year. If you're a Buffalo sports fan, you'll love Elliott Weber. He's an old-school defender that is tough as nails. Big, strong, fast. Works hard in the weight room. He's maybe been a bit of an underdog during his youth career. Most importantly to us, his technique and decision making have come a long way in the past three years."

AJ Zarcone – North Tonawanda, New York – RNY FC MLS NEXT
"AJ has great habits, both on and off the field. He thinks of others before thinking of himself. His personality, mindset and belief almost overshadow the fact he's a good soccer player. We can't wait for him to join our program."

Canisius opens the regular season Aug. 24 at Saint Francis. The home opener is slated for Aug. 28 against Cleveland State.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Michael Switala: M; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#0 Carter Sewell: GK; 6' 2"; Freshman

#6 AJ Zarcone: M; 6' 1"; Freshman

#12 Jason Hernandez: D; 5' 9"; Freshman

#15 Kevin Villacorta: D; 5' 8"; Freshman

#16 Alberto Reyes: M; 5' 7"; Freshman

#19 Miles Wadiche: M; 5' 10"; Freshman

#22 Mason Petrucci: F; 5' 8"; Freshman

#24 Elliott Weber: D; 6' 4"; Freshman

#25 Gael Arceo: D; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#11 Michael Switala
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: M

#0 Carter Sewell
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: GK

#6 AJ Zarcone
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: M

#12 Jason Hernandez
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: D

#15 Kevin Villacorta
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: D

#16 Alberto Reyes
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: M

#19 Miles Wadiche
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: M

#22 Mason Petrucci
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: F

#24 Elliott Weber
: 6' 4"; Freshman
: D

#25 Gael Arceo
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: D