GREENSBORO, N.C. –  The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team will welcome 14 newcomers to its roster for the 2024 season.

This year's roster consists of 15 returners, seven incoming freshmen and seven transfers for a total of 29 student-athletes. The Spartans' recruiting class was ranked No. 42 in the country by TopDrawerSoccer on Wednesday.

"We are extremely excited to welcome this group to the Spartan family," said Head Coach Chris Rich. "It's a large group full of freshman and transfers from all over the world. They are talented, but more importantly have the mindset to truly make an impact here at UNCG. We expect big things out of this class!"
 
Axel Alejandre
Class: Graduate Student
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Previous Team: Louisville
High School: Prosser Career Academy
Position: Defender
Why UNCG?: "I felt a true connection and I like the campus. There are opportunities and it is the perfect fit in terms of style of play and who I am as a person."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) July 25, 2024

William Ampofo
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Previous Team: Montverde Academy
High School: Montverde Academy
Position: Midfielder
Why UNCG?: "I love the environment and it's a small school. The school and the facilities in which they build soccer athletes are very high. I feel I am at the right place. UNCG is one of the best universities in the country and I am very proud to be here."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) November 15, 2023

Hugo Antunes
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Bettembourg, Luxembourg
Previous Team: SC Bettembourg
High School: Lycée Robert-Schuman
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNCG because of its strong sense of community, excellent academic programs and the outstanding support provided by the coaching staff. The combination of rigorous academics and a dedicated athletics program made UNCG stand out from other universities, ensuring I can excel both on and off the field."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) July 15, 2024

Tim Baerwalde
Class: Junior
Hometown: Frankfurt, Germany
Previous Team: Converse University
High School: Pierre-de-Coubertin Sportgymnasium
Position: Goalkeeper
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNC Greensboro because it offers a fantastic blend of academics and athletics that perfectly fit my goals. The players on the team are very talented, and I look forward to competing with the best. From the start, the coaching staff made me feel welcome. I like how Coach Rich prepares the team, focusing on maintaining possession and finding solutions in every situation and under immense pressure. For me as a goalkeeper, it was the best fit in order to develop my game and prepare me for my future in the best way possible. I also chose UNCG because of its excellent academics and the Bryan School of Business, which has a strong reputation that I'm looking forward to be a part of."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) March 13, 2024

Jonathan Beckert
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Wendeburg, Germany
Previous Team: Eintracht Braunschweig
High School: Gymnasium Links der Weser
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Why UNCG?: "I decided to join UNCG because the impressions I had gathered convinced me from the beginning. The professional environment and sporting perspective offer the optimal framework to further my development."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) July 9, 2024

Konstantinos Georgallides
Class: Junior
Hometown: Famagusta, Cyprus
Previous Team: Louisville
High School: American Academy Larnaca
Position: Forward
Why UNCG?: "It will be a great foundational step for my development as a soccer player."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) December 8, 2023

Issah Haruna
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Bolgatanga, Ghana
Previous Team: Ghana Angel Soccer Academy
High School: Prampram Senior High
Position: Midfielder
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNCG because of how culturally diverse it is, and UNCG is one of the top programs in the country and I wanted to compete at the highest level."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) March 4, 2024

Santino Inkpen
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
Previous Team: Alexandria Soccer Association
High School: Annandale
Position: Goalkeeper
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNCG due to its recent success and strong athletic program. Additionally, Coach Rich, with his background as a goalkeeper, offers unique insights as a head coach. Finally, UNCG was the right fit because it offers the kinesiology major I wish to pursue."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) June 10, 2024

Mikey Ketteman
Class: Graduate Student
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Previous Team: Oakland University
High School: Portage Central
Position: Forward
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNCG for my final season because of the first-class facilities, style the team plays and the aspiration that the team has, which is to compete and win at the highest standard across the nation year after year. I also feel that the southern region is a great place to perform to get seen at the next level."
 

We are excited to welcome Horizon League Offensive Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches All-North Region second team member, Mikey Ketteman to the 2024-25 roster!

Ketteman is transferring to UNCG from Oakland University and is from Portage, Michigan! #letsgoG pic.twitter.com/44eBZ2f5Ih

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) February 23, 2024

Daniel Longo
Class: Junior
Hometown: Woodbridge, Ontario
Previous Team: Canisius University
High School: Bill Crothers Secondary
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNCG because of what being a men's soccer player here represents. The mentality and vision here is to win, play great football and create a pathway to opportunities beyond the collegiate level. Located in North Carolina, it allows us to compete against the best teams in the NCAA and test our abilities against the top teams weekly. Not only athletically but academically, we have a great support staff here that challenges you in the classroom and works to help us reach our goals as student-athletes. Overall, the combination of excellent soccer opportunities and strong academic support make UNCG the ideal place for me to pursue my athletic and academic goals."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) May 9, 2024

Ben Salter
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Morrisville, North Carolina
Previous Team: Panther Creek
High School: Panther Creek
Position: Defender
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNCG for the atmosphere as well as the high level of soccer, the coaches and the staff. I also knew that it would help me grow as both a player and a person."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) November 17, 2023

Mohammed Sumaila
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Tamale, Ghana
Previous Team: Mobile Phone People FC
High School: Koforidua Technical
Position: Defender
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNCG because of its strong history, experienced coaching staff and excellent facilities. The university offers a range of academic programs that align with my educational goals, providing a balanced collegiate experience and I believe it's a place where I can develop myself both in athletics and academics."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) June 12, 2024

Seth Wilson
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Previous Team: Akron
High School: Lone Star
Position: Goalkeeper
Why UNCG?: "I chose UNCG because I needed a place to play in order to reach my goal of playing professionally. Also, I saw potential in the Spartans after the run they made in 2022."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) December 18, 2023

Jason Wynia
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Previous Team: Solar Soccer Club
High School: Labanon Trail
Position: Defender
Why UNCG?: "I decided to join the UNCG soccer program because of how well they develop their players on and off the field. The program's commitment to excellence, and having the opportunity to compete at a high level aligns perfectly with my goals."
 

— UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGsoccer) June 6, 2024

The Spartans will open the 2024 season with three exhibition games, including one against Virginia Tech at home on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 6:00 p.m. UNCG will then open the season hosting USC Upstate on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:00 p.m. Southern Conference (SoCon) play will begin for UNCG at Mercer on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7:00 p.m.