Duquesne University men’s soccer brings in 15 new players

PITTSBURGH – Head coach Chase Brooks has announced the Duquesne University 2020 men’s soccer recruiting class.

The group of 15 includes five transfers – four of whom participated in spring training – as well as 10 additional freshmen.

Chase Brooks on the 2020 class:

“With our 2020 class we knew we had some big shoes to fill from graduating seniors and outgoing transfers. With that in mind, we were determined to bring a good mix of impact guys while at the same time, improving our depth so when we go to the bench, we don’t lose a step. I am very happy with the group we have assembled. They all have athletic qualities that should allow for success but even better, they all have great character which is the most important thing we look for in prospective Dukes.”

ADE AKINJOGBIN
Jr. • 5-8, 145 • Forward
London, England/The King Alfred School/Wofford transfer
Club: Chelsea FC
Pronunciation: Ah-day  A-kin-jog-bin

• Early signee, participated in 2020 spring training at Duquesne.
• First-year Wofford transfer played in 20 matches with 14 starts in two seasons with the Terriers.
• Had 19 shots, including seven on goal, while at Wofford. Finished with a goal and a pair of assists.
• Appeared in 17 matches with 14 starts for the 5-11-1 Terriers as a freshman.
• Was eighth on the team with 1,120 minutes played as a freshman.
• Finished his freshman year with one goal (in a 3-1 win over VMI on Oct. 23, 2018) and one assist (in a 3-2 win over Belmont on Oct. 20, 2018).
• Played a season-high 97 minutes vs. both Gardner-Webb and UNCG as a freshman.
• Added an assist in a 3-2 loss to Charlotte as a sophomore.
• Played for the renowned Chelsea FC U18 team.
• Played for Brentford FC Academy from U13 to U23.
• Full name is Adebambo Akinjogbin.
• Born on Dec. 1, 1999 in London, England.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Ade has been training with us since January, which has been a real plus. He has the pedigree and attacking style to make a big impact in the Atlantic 10.”

RODRIGO ALBAYEROS
So. • 6-0, 170 • Midfielder
San Salvador, El Salvador/Atlantic High School (Delray Beach, Fla.)/Florida Atlantic transfer
Club: FC Florida
Pronunciation: Al-bay-yerr-os

• Early signee, participated in 2020 spring training at Duquesne.
• Logged 83 minutes in seven matches for Florida Atlantic in 2019.
• Named FSHAA second team all-state in helping Atlantic HS to the 5A state semifinal in 2018.
• Was a four-time all-conference pick.
• His FC Florida club team was a state cup finalist in earning a No. 3 state rank.
• Full name is Jorge Rodrigo Albayeros.
• His grandfather, Santos Aguilar, played professionally in El Salvador.
• Born on Oct. 13, 2000 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Rodrigo is a versatile midfielder that enrolled in January. He has a great engine and determination to his play. I am excited for him to continue to learn our system and see how good he can become.”

PHILIP ARMAS III
Fr. • 5-5, 145 • Defender
Richmond, Va./YSC (Pa.) Academy
Club: FC DELCO/Philadelphia Union

• Played soccer exclusively for both FC DELCO and Philadelphia Union while attending YSC Academy in Wayne, Pa.
• His uncle, Chris Armas, a defensive midfielder for the US National Team (1998-05), had a 12-year MSL career with the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicago Fire. Chris, who was inducted to the United Soccer League Hall of Fame in 2002, is currently head coach of the New York Red Bulls.
• His father, Phil, played soccer and wrestled while at the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Full name is Philip Armas III.
• Is the oldest of three children.
• Avid traveler has visited 40 states.
• Born July 11, 2001 in Richmond, Va.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Phillip is a gritty, hard-nosed defender with a lot of potential. I am excited to have him join our family and see just how good he can be.”

JOEY BELLOTTI
Fr. • 5-10, 160 • Forward
Maple, Ontario/IMG Academy
Club: IMG Academy

• Early signee, participated in 2020 spring training at Duquesne.
• Was the top scorer and team MVP for IMG’s State Cup semifinalist.
• Was selected from a pool of over 800 to train with the U16 Italian National Team.
• Born July 19, 2000 in Maple, Ontario.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Joey is a natural attacker. He is determined to make his mark on the A-10 and Duquesne and I am looking forward to helping him achieve his goals.”

JACOB BENINTENDI
So-RS. • 6-2, 185 • Defender
Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin/Xavier transfer
Club: Kings Hammer Academy
Pronunciation: ben-in-TEN-dee

• Early signee, participated in 2020 spring training at Duquesne.
• Played in one match at Xavier as a redshirt freshman in 2019.
• Was a two-time Kentucky State Cup Champion.
• Served as team captain for Kings Hammer Academy.
• Was a two-time All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference pick.
• His cousin, Andrew Benintendi, is an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox.
• Another cousin, Luke Spencer, led Xavier to two Atlantic 10 Championships and three-straight NCAA Tournaments, on his way to becoming the first Musketeers soccer player drafted (by the New England Revolution in 2013).
• His aunt, Kelly Benintendi-Misleh, played basketball at Michigan and Xavier. She was XU’s leading scorer in 1988 & 1989.
• Holds a martial arts black belt.
• Born on Mar. 1, 2000 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Jacob is a defender that joined us in January and he has been a pleasure to have around. He is hungry to prove himself at this level and I am excited to see what this season holds for him.”

CAMERON CLAIRMONT
Fr. • 5-4, 150 • Defender
Clarksville, Md./River Hill
Club: Baltimore Celtic

• Helped River Hill to three county titles, two regional championships and a pair of state final appearances (46-5-3 over that stretch).
• Served as captain for Baltimore Armour (2015-18), Baltimore Celtic (2019-20) and River Hill (2018-19).
• Named Maryland Association of Coaches of Soccer second team all-state in 2019 and honorable mention all-state in 2018.
• Was part of a U.S. Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championship and USYS national third place team in 2019.
• Played for a National Premier League championship team in 2016.
• One of three members of the 2020 recruiting class who played for Baltimore Celtic (joining Alex Crabbs and Alex Krause).
• Born Feb. 27, 2002 in Baltimore, Md.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Cam is a tenacious, tough tackling defender. He is the captain of one of the best club teams in the country. We look forward to his grit and leadership development in the future.”

ALEX CRABBS
Fr. • 5-8, 160 • Midfielder
Annapolis, Md./Mount Saint Joseph
Club: Baltimore Celtic

• Was a three-year varsity player at Mount Saint Joseph.
• Served as team captain as a senior when he earned first team all Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association honors.
• Was part of three playoff teams, including a 2017 squad that advanced to the state championship game while earning a No. 7 national rank.
• Helped Baltimore Celtic to a first-place Elite Development Program league finish, regional championship and national semifinal appearance in 2019.
• One of three members of the 2020 recruiting class who played for Baltimore Celtic (joining Cameron Clairmont and Alex Krause).
• National Honor Society student who volunteered at soup kitchens as well as farmer’s markets.
• Is an avid snowboarder.
• His mother, Chris, swam for Franklin & Marshall and his father, Ben, played soccer at Washington College (Md.).
• Born Mar. 23, 2002 in Annapolis, Md.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Alex has great work ethic in the central midfielder position. He is a simple player and very effective. I believe his playing style will transition very well to the college game.”

BRANDON FRANKLIN
Fr. • 5-11, 175 • Defender
Glen Dale, Md./Gonzaga
Club: Bethesda Academy

• Helped U18/19 Bethesda reach the Development Academy playoffs after finishing the season with the No. 2 ranked defense in the Atlantic Division.
• Played at Gonzaga College High School prior to joining USDA Bethesda.
• Had seven goals and four assists on 18 shots in 26 games as a sophomore in helping 17-6-3 Gonzaga to Jesuit Catholic, Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and District of Columbia State Athletic Association Championships for the first time in school history.
• Was and honor student and community service volunteer in high school.
• His older brother, Jordan, ran track for Washington University (St. Louis).
• Born Jan. 11, 2002 in Washington, D.C.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Brandon is a strong, athletic, versatile defender with nothing but upside. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.”

MAXI HOPFER
Fr.. • 5-10, 175 • Forward
Graz, Austria/Higher Technical College Weiz
Club: SC Elin Weiz

• Has made over 125 league appearances, including 53 appearances in the Austrian Third League.
• Averaged over 87 minutes per game for SC Weiz.
• Scored six goals in 13 games in 2017-18.
• Is the youngest of three children.
• Born Oct. 31, 1999 in Graz, Styria, Austria.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Max is a quick, driven, attacker that is a determined goal scorer. We are excited that he will be joining us on the Bluff next fall.”

ALEX KRAUSE
Fr. • 5-7, 165 • Forward
Clarksville, Md./River Hill
Club: Baltimore Celtic

• Helped Baltimore Celtic to a first-place Elite Development Program league finish, U.S. Youth Soccer regional championship and USYS national semifinal appearance in 2019.
• Was part of two league championship teams, a state finalist (2018) and regional finalist (2019) at River Hill.
• Was a two-time all-state and all-county pick in high school where he had 25 goals and 14 assists in two years.
• Named first (2018) and second team (2019) All-Metro by the Baltimore Sun.
• Was a two-time second team All-Met by the Washington Post.
• One of three members of the 2020 recruiting class who played for Baltimore Celtic (joining Alex Crabbs and Cameron Clairmont).
• Had 22 goals and 20 assists in 20 games for Baltimore Celtic in 2019.
• Is the second-oldest of four.
• National Honor Society and honor roll student.
• Participated in the Best Buddies program while in high school.
• Is an avid table tennis player.
• Born July 17, 2002 in Fairfax, Virginia.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Alex is a natural goal scorer. We are really excited to see his development and just how good he can become in this conference.”

ZACH MOWKA
Fr. • 5-10, 155 • Forward
Toledo, Ohio/Anthony Wayne
Club: Pacesetter SC

• Played for three Northern Lakes League and district championship teams at Anthony Wayne HS.
• Set school records for career points (227) and goals (95) as well as single-season marks for points (76) and goals (32).
• Was a three-time Division I All-Ohio pick by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association (first team as a sophomore and second team as a junior and senior).
• Was named an Allstate All-American – one of 125 selected from across the nation – prior to his senior season.
• Four-time all-district pick (three-time first team) and two-time NLL Player of the Year.
• Helped Pacesetter Soccer Club to a pair of state titles to go along with four regional final appearances.
• Was active as a volunteer in high school, working for the Junior Generals (k-6th grade) and incoming freshman camp.
• His older brother, Chase, played soccer at Tiffin.
• Born July 22, 2001 in Toledo, Ohio.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Zach is a quick forward with a nose for the goal. His work ethic and drive to be excellent will help him compete and make an impact in the A-10.”

DANNY RADIGAN
Fr. • 6-1, 170 • Goalkeeper
Concord, Ohio/St. Ignatius
Club: Croatia Cleveland

• Was part of a 2019 St. Ignatius’ Division 1 State Championship team (21-0-2) that was named co-National Champion by Top Drawer Soccer.
• Joined starting keeper Peter Van Euwen (Ohio State) in going on to play Division I soccer.
• Went 3-0-1 in his four starts.
• Saw action in 10 games overall as a senior with six saves in 424 minutes.
• Caught the DU coaches eyes at a team camp in the summer of 2019 and at an ensuing camp over Christmas break following his senior season.
• Played for Division 1 state final four teams in 2017 & 2018.
• Was part of a Northern Ohio State Cup Championship team.
• Earned United Soccer Coaches Academic All-Ohio mention.
• Was involved in Labre Ministry to the Homeless and was the leader of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry.
• National Honor Society and honor roll student.
• Studied abroad in Ireland for a summer while in high school.
• Is the oldest of three children.
• Born Feb. 22, 2002 in Painesville, Ohio.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “We feel Danny has great potential. He has very good shot stopping ability and a solid presence in goal. We are looking forward to have him compete with and against our current goalkeeping core.”

JAIME BORJAS REY
Jr. • 5-10, 185 • Defender
Bogota, Colombia/Liceo la Sabana/Graceland U. transfer
Club: Nacional de Electricos

• Comes to Duquesne after spending two seasons at NAIA Graceland (Iowa) University.
• Started all 26 matches he played as a freshman and sophomore.
• Started 14 times for 8-8-1 Graceland in 2018. Was credited with the game winner in a 4-1 win over Mount Mercy (Iowa).
• Followed that by starting 12 times as a sophomore for the 6-8-2 Yellowjackets, where he finished with 11 shots, including four on goal.
• His club team won the U21 Colombian National Championship and his U20 team advanced to the championship game.
• Earned a spot on Graceland’s President’s List for posting a 4.0 GPA.
• Would eventually like to start his own software company.
• Full name is Jaime Alejandro Borjas Rey.
• Born Aug. 12, 1998 in Bogota, Colombia.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Jorge is a defender that is a leader and a competitor. He will make our group better, on and off the field, the first day he steps on campus.”

TOM TZABARI
Fr. • 6-0, 160 • Midfielder
Tel Aviv, Israel/Golda Meir
Club: Maccabi Petah-Tikva

• Played for an Israeli national championship club team.
• Earned all-tournament at an event in Budapest.
• Full name is Tom Shir Tzabari.
• Has a younger sister.
• Born May 5, 1999 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Tom is a hard-working, defensive-minded midfielder with great range. I expect him to bring a toughness and resilience to our play.”

TORGE WITTEBORG
So. • 6-2, 185 • Defender
Dortmund, Germany/Gesamtschule Brunninghausen/OUAZ transfer
Club: Borussia Dortmund/Rot-Weiss Essen

• Played in 22 matches with 21 starts for 15-6-2 NAIA Ottawa University-Arizona located in Surprise, Ariz.
• Was one of just two members of the 2019 Spirit to log over 1,700 minutes (1,768).
• Scored three goals on seven shots, four of which were on net.
• Born Jan. 4, 2000 in Schwerte, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

Head coach Chase Brooks: “Torge is a solid defender with a great pedigree. His size and mentality will allow him to compete for a starting role and help push this program toward our goals.”