MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. --- UMO men's soccer and head coach Sean Brennan announced the signing of the 2019 Trojan men's soccer class. The class will bring 15 new Trojans to the pitch and includes four transfers and will add 11 freshmen to Mount Olive's squad that made a run in the Conference Carolinas Championship last season.
"The coaching staff is very excited about the addition of the 15 players coming to UMO. This group of guys consists of many different cultures, backgrounds and playing experiences that we feel will really help boost the current group of players. We feel these new additions are the beginning of what we hope is a fantastic year in the short term and overall program growth and development in the long term," said Brennan.
Below is each new member of the Trojan men's soccer team.
-Zac Harvey-Latham comes to UMO from Sydney, NSW, Australia and played for Stanmore Hawks FC in the National Premier League 3. The defensive midfielder started all 25 games recorded four assists and picked up six clean sheets.
-Ethan Willie comes to Mount Olive from Wofford College. The Nassau, Bahamas native, competed in the SoCon his freshman year picking up prestigious awards along the way including being named to the 2018 SoCon All-Freshman team as a forward.
-Walter Gomez joins the Trojans from the Charlotte Soccer Academy from NCYSA premier division. The Charlotte, N.C. midfielder was selected as an all-state, all-region, and all-conference high school soccer honoree.
-Benjamin Dufton-Kelly comes to UMO from the Wirral Peninsula in North West England. A former player for Cammell Laird 1907 FC competing in the North West Counties Division 1, the defender highlights his career with 44 appearances and 6 goals.
-Benjamyn Elliott comes to Mount Olive from the Fayetteville Soccer Club. The Eastover, N.C. native has captained his club team for six straight years leading them to multiple top-three finishes in the league. The defender started every match in 2019 recording one goal.
-Iwan Roberts joins the Trojans from Flagler College. The junior transfer, from Burry Port, Wales played for Carmarthen Town in the Welsh Premier League growing up. During his final season, Iwan recorded eight clean sheets.
-Darnell Shortland comes to UMO from London, England. The former Aldershot Town FC player has competed against the top youth academies in England. The defender registered two goals in his first team debut.
-Meschak Kebi comes to Mount Olive from Raleigh, N.C. Meshy was the 2018 Powerade State Games MVP. The all-state selectee also earned top scorer and all-academic award during 2018. The Neuse River Football Alliance alum competed in the NCYSA Premier Division.
-Evan Darrow joins the Trojans from the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Football Club. The ECNL veteran registered three goals and six assists during the first four games of the season. Evan's older sister, Aimee Darrow is a current UMO women's soccer player.
-Christian Vega comes to UMO from Newton Grove, N.C. The outside defender/winger is a transfer from Cape Fear Community College. During his sophomore year, he played in all 18 games while starting 15.
-Cooper Armstrong comes to Mount Olive from the North Carolina Fusion. The freshman goalkeeper has played against the top youth team in the United States while competing at the ECNL level. The Greensboro, N.C. native made three PK saves in eight starts helping his team finish top four in the league.
-Micah Smith joins the Trojans from the former Lake Norman Soccer Club. The club participated in the NCYSA Premier division. The Statesville, N.C. native started every game and either scored or assisted in 15 goals during the season.
Jack Watters joins his teammate Micah Smith from the former Lake Norman Soccer Club. The two helped their team to a first-place finish in the NCYSA Premier division. The Harrisburg, N.C. defender/midfielder started every game for LNSC.
Mustafa Nadeem comes to Mount Olive from Northeastern Junior College. The Lahore, Pakistan junior transfer recorded 12 goals and nine assists during his sophomore season. The Winger/attacking midfielder will add experience to the Trojans attack.
Nathan Esslinger joins the Trojans from Hassloch, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. A product of FC Speyer 09, the winger has competed against top teams throughout Germany. A consistent first-team member for his club, Nathan will add speed and experience to the Trojan attack.