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Men's Soccer Athletic Communications

Gookins Announces First Signees

DeLAND—First-year head coach Kyle Gookins today announced the signing of six student-athletes to continue their soccer and academic careers at Stetson. The first wave of signees includes a trio of four-year transfers and three outstanding Florida prep products.
 
"We are really excited about our 2017 recruiting class," Gookins said.  "(Assistant Coach) Graeme Jaap and I worked hard to identify the right type of student-athlete for our program. They are not only great soccer players, but they are fantastic individuals and will be great ambassadors of Stetson University.  They will immediately help us create and cement our championship culture."
 
The initial members of the class of 2017 include: David Bergstrom (Sodertalje, Sweden/Central Connecticut State), Alexi Cruz (Fleming Island HS), Max Friederich (Montverde Academy), Braeden Luna (Destin, Fla./Univ. of Kentucky), Kyamanni Stewart (Orlando City Academy) and Aidan Wixted (Melbourne Beach, Fla./NC State).
 
Name: David Bergstrom9465
Position: Midfielder
Previous School: Central Conn State University
Hometown: Sodertalje, Sweden             

Notes:  Will have three season of eligibility remaining … played last season as a freshman at Central Connecticut State, appearing in 16 games with 12 starts … scored season's only goal in 3-0 win over Manhattan … played for Järna SK in the Swedish 3rd division before arriving at CCSU.

Gookins on Bergstrom: "David is an athletic central midfielder that can defend as well as attack. He is a true box-to-box midfielder. He has an incredible engine and brings a year of college experience with him. He has the potential to contribute straight away."
 
Name: Alexi Cruz9464
Position: Midfielder
Club Team: Clay County
High School: Fleming Island HS
Hometown: Fleming Island, Fla.               

Notes:  Four-year varsity player at Fleming Island High … 2015 ISF International friendlies participant in Santiago, Chile … 2015 All-Star IMG Academy Super Y League. 

Gookins on Cruz: "Alex showed very well at our Spring ID Camp. He is good in 1v1 situations, has a good change of pace, and he can cut in from wide areas to score goals. Alex has the potential to contribute straight away."
 
 
Name: Max Friederich9466
Position: Defender
High School: Montverde Academy
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
 
Notes: Plays for the No. 1 high school in the nation at Montverde Academy in Orlando …  4-time high school national champion … won the Disney Showcase with Florida Rush U17s.

Gookins on Friedrich: "Max has a great soccer IQ and has the athleticism to match. He is a natural leader on and off of the field and is a proven winner. Max has the potential to contribute straight away."
 

 
Name: Braeden Luna9467
Position: Goalkeeper
Previous School: University of Kentucky
High School: Fort Walton Beach HS
Hometown: Destin, Florida        

Notes: Transfer from the University of Kentucky, where he played in 2016 as a freshman … will have three seasons of eligibility remaining … appeared in one game last season for the Wildcats, getting seven minutes in goal against Marshall … played behind all-region goalkeeper Stuart Ford … Kentucky reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament last November … played for the Orlando City USSDA team … won ODP National Championship with Florida ODP … was the No. 2-ranked goalkeeper goalkeeper in the state his senior year.

Gookins on Luna: "Braeden joined our program at the beginning of the spring semester and hit the ground running. He is a good shot stopper and trains very hard. He brings a calming presence to the back line and has the potential to play straight away."
 
Name: Kyamanni Stewart9468
Position: Defender
Club Team: Orlando City USSDA
High School: Olympia HS
Hometown: Gotha, Fla.               

Notes: Plays for the Orlando City USSDA team … won Southeast Division in 2016 with Orlando City … has trained with the Orlando City MLS team.

Gookins on Stewart: "Kyamanni is athletic, has great technique on the ball, and has an infectious personality. He is a great addition to our back line with his 1v1 defending ability. Kyamanni has the potential to contribute straight away."
 
Name: Aidan Wixted9463
Position: Defender
Previous School: NC State
High School: Melbourne HS
Hometown: Melbourne Beach, Fla.

Notes: Transfer from NC State, where he made seven starts as a redshirt freshman last season for the Wolfpack … played all 90 minutes in six of eight matches, and played 95 minutes in OT loss to High Point … member of the ACC Honor Roll as a true freshman … played for Chicago Magic and Orlando City USSDA Teams … played in US Soccer Final four playoffs with Chicago Magic … featured for the U14 and U18 US National Teams. 

Gookins on Wixted: "Aidan has incredible experience at the college and youth national team levels. He has the mentality to lead a backline and is very comfortable passing out of the back. He has the potential to contribute straight away."
 
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