IUPUI men’s soccer reveals 9-player recruiting class

INDIANAPOLIS (Via IUPUI) – The IUPUI Athletics Department and head men’s soccer coach Brian Barnett announced the Jaguars’ 2019 recruiting class, consisting of nine true freshmen, spanning five different states.

Barnett’s squad is coming off a Horizon League Tournament semifinals appearance and graduates six seniors off last year’s team.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize Coach Bouemboue for all of the work he put in to assist me in building this strong 2019 recruiting class. I am incredibly pleased with the overall character strength of this group of young men. They are going to do a great job of continuing to build on the solid foundation of those who have come before them,” Barnett said. “The academic performance of this group is nothing short of impressive. They boast a 3.85 cumulative GPA as well as strong standardized test scores. Finally, our coaching staff has done a great job in identifying a strong group of young men that possess the ability to compete immediately, as well as lay the foundation for the future success of the program and will be committed to the relentless pursuit of excellence as students, athletes and people during their IUPUI careers.”

Below is a rundown of each of the Jaguars’ newcomers, along with quotes from Barnett.

Kirezi Freddy – Indianapolis, Ind./North Central
5-8 I Forward I Millennium SA

Awards & Honors
-Four-year starter at nearby North Central High School
-2018 Boys All-American and United Soccer Coaches All-American
-Three-time All-State and First Team All-District honoree
-Two-time All-Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) team choice
-Three-time Region II ODP Team selection

Barnett on Freddy:
“Freddy is an elite attacking player, both running at defenders and in combination near the penalty area. He also recognizes great moments to get in behind the back line with his off ball movement and attack the goal.”

“I’m extremely pleased that Kirezi has committed to play at IUPUI. I believe the staff at IUPUI is building an excellent program and that Kirezi will be able to help them accomplish their goals. He is an excellent athlete, a model teammate and has the desire to improve with the help of these coaches. I hope this is the beginning of a relationship with Millennium Indy to supply outstanding players to our home team.”
Jerry Little, North Central High School

Daniel Herrera – Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo
5-7 I Midfielder/Defender I Indiana Fire Juniors

Awards & Honors
-Played just one year of high school soccer after originally focusing on Developmental Academy play
-2018 First Team All-North Central Conference honoree and honorable mention All-State selection
-Named to the NCC’s All-Academic Team
-Selected to the National Honor Society and a National Hispanic Scholar
-Is an IB Diploma Program Candidate

Barnett on Herrera:
“Daniel will add more depth to our attacking group. He has an insatiable work rate and is incredibly crafty in 1-v-1 situations to earn a ball revolution and deliver quality flank service.”

“Daniel’s immediate, positive impact on our program showed in his consistency in training and in matches. He’s a very technical midfield player and he challenged himself and his teammates daily, helping our team excel on the field. He used his experience as a high level player in the DA to make the players around him and our program better. His positive attitude and play was a significant reason for our team’s success. His winning mentality instilled confidence in his teammates and helped create a positive team culture. He has demonstrated an ability to balance his athletic and academic interests. His drive on the soccer field is matched by his drive to excel in his studies and I know his interests in studying business and playing at a high level will be a good fit for him at IUPUI.”
Aaron Blessing, Kokomo High School

Caleb Hussain – Carmel, Ind./Carmel
6-1 I Defender I Indiana Fire Juniors

Awards & Honors
-Two-year letterwinner at Carmel High School, earned ISCA All-Academic honors in 2016-17
-Two-time Scholar Athlete Award Winner
-DECA Club Regional Runner-up and National Honor Society member

Barnett on Hussain:
“Caleb will provide depth to our backline and with his level of athleticism, individual 1-v-1 defending and aerial ability, he will be poised to compete with our group of returning backs.”

“Caleb will be outstanding at IUPUI. He is a person of principle, integrity and passion. In addition to his irreproachable character, he possesses intelligence and great energy towards, not only the game of soccer, but life in general. His dedication is addictive. He will buy into the vision for the IUPUI program and will be eager to be part of building something special at IUPUI.”
Michael Durs, Indiana Fire Juniors, U-18 (2001) Boys

“Caleb is a wonderful person. He is extremely hard working and very coachable. His communication and efforts in both training and games makes everyone around him better. I am so happy that he is moving on to play at the next level, especially having the opportunity to play at IUPUI. I know he will excel both as a student and athlete under the tutelage of the coaching staff.”
Shane Schmidt, Carmel High School

Luke Liljegren – Collinsville, Ill./Collinsville
5-9 I Forward I Gateway Rush

Awards & Honors
-Earned four varsity letters and was a three-year starter at Collinsville (Ill.) High School
-Finished his career with 22 goals and 21 assists
-Helped Collinsville to a third-place finish at the IHSA State Tournament his senior year
-Had 16 goals and nine assists as a senior, earning First Team All-Southwest Conference, IHSSCA All-Sectional Team honors and was picked to the First Team IHSA Final 4 All-Tournament Team by Chicago Land Soccer

Barnett on Liljegren:
“Luke is going to be an exciting addition in attack. He has an uncanny ability to stay on the ball while being pressured or physically challenged. Further, his level of athleticism, 1-v-1 attacking ability and his ability to combine in and around the penalty area will be a welcome addition next fall.”

“Luke is a tremendous young man and student-athlete, who is a leader in every sense of the word. He is the first at every meeting, workout and practice and is able to discuss issues with his teammates and coaches. He has a work ethic that has allowed him to become, not only a very good soccer player, but an amazing student. His positive influence on his teammates and fellow students has put him in a leadership role that he seems to thrive in.”
Robert Lugge, Collinsville High School

Ethan Miller – Peoria, Ill./Peoria Notre Dame
6-3 I Defender I Central Illinois United

Awards & Honors
-Four-year letterwinner in soccer at Peoria Notre Dame High School
-Three-time All-Conference (2016, 17, 18), two-time All-Sectional (2017, 18) and two-time PJ Star All-Area (2017, 18) honoree
-Helped PND to a 2018 state runner-up finish and they were ranked as high as No. 2 nationally
-Helped Central Illinois United to a 6th place finish at Nationals in 2008 and third-place at the Illinois State Cup in 2015, 2016 and 2017
-National Honor Society selection

Barnett on Miller:
“Ethan is a smart defender that reads the game well and communicates with his teammates in the backline. He is physically dominant in 1-v-1 situations and great in the air.”

“Ethan is the first center back I’ve coached in my 14 years with a true Division I build. Not only does he possess the size to compete at the Division I level, but also has the technical ability to match. He is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet and distributes well over both short and long distances. Even more important than what Ethan does on the field is how he carries himself off the field. He is a good person, respected by his peers and excels within the classroom. We are excited to continue Peoria Notre Dame’s pipeline to IUPUI under the direction of PND alum Brian Barnett.”
Mike Bare, Peoria Notre Dame High School

“In harnessing the top talent in our region to compete with the top clubs in the country, Ethan has been one of the pillars of our Central Illinois United initiative. One of the centerpieces of back-to-back-to-back state cup semifinalists and a National Cup sixth-place finisher, Ethan brings great size, toughness and physicality to the center back position. Strong in the air and a great communicator, Ethan’s effort and attitude – always pushing himself to be his best and always open to instruction from coaches – is what separates him from most.”
Edgar Sandoval, Central Illinois United

Lucas Morefield – Fenton, Mo./Rockwood Summit
5-11 I Goalkeeper I Lou Fusz Van Buskirk 00

Awards & Honors
-Helped Rockwood Summit to the 2016 Class 3 Missouri State title
-Was a Second Team All-Conference performer in 2017
-Registered a 0.42 goals against average and 24 shutouts in 2017-2018
-Academically is a Nationally Merit Commended Scholar and a Rockwood Summit Academic Leader

Barnett on Morefield:
“Lucas is going to add tremendous depth to our already strong core of goalkeepers. Under Steve Major’s tutelage, Lucas has matured and developed into an elite goalkeeper that is prepared to compete in college soccer.”

“Lucas is an exceptionally technical goalkeeper that will bring a lot of top level tools to the college game. He’s an excellent shot stopper, has outstanding distribution and great hands. His passion for the game and ability to perform at a high level, day in and day out, will be an asset to the IUPUI program.”
Jim Van Buskirk, Lou Fusz SC

“Lucas’ contributions to the Summit soccer program are as equally as impressive as his academic achievements. As a goalkeeper and captain of the men’s soccer team, Lucas not only does everything that is expected of him, but consistently exceeds those expectations. His attitude and level of dedication are nothing short of impressive and remarkable. He regularly comes in on off days and stays late to train, individually, long after the team practice is over. His leadership is invaluable to our success as a team. He is comfortable voicing his opinions and directions on the field, and always does so in a positive, respectful and constructive manner. He’s a vital part of the Summit soccer team and one of the best goalkeepers and captains our team and school has ever had.”
Tom Wade, Rockwood Summit High School

Nate Pendleton – Shawnee, Kan./Blue Valley Southwest
5-9 I Midfielder/Forward I KC Fusion Academy

Awards & Honors
-Competed in soccer, football and track at Blue Valley Southwest High School, earning four varsity letters
-Was among Top Drawer Soccer’s All-America Watch List heading into the 2018 season
-2018 First Team KHSSCA All-State and First Team All-Conference pick
-Helped BVS to back-to-back state titles in 2017 and 2018
-2016 honorable mention All-Eastern Kansas League pick
-National Honor Society selection

Barnett on Pendleton:
“Nate will be a great addition on the attacking side. He has the versatility to play multiple attacking positions and is an electric 1-v-1 player with pace.”

“What I would say about Nate is that he is a fierce competitor. He has exceptional pace with the ball at his feet and is extremely crafty when taking someone on. His soccer IQ is extremely high and his work rate is nonstop. He is extremely loyal to the Blue Valley Southwest soccer program and I know he will bring that loyalty to IUPUI. We look forward to watching Nate excel at the next level of his career and contributing to IUPUI’s success.”
Erik Jones, Blue Valley Southwest

“The Fusion family is very happy for Nate. He is a high quality person and a player that should do well as he moves on the college level.  We wish him the best as he lives his dream of playing college soccer.”
Nate Houser, KC Fusion Academy

Carson Shrader – St. John, Ind./Lake Central
6-0 I Midfielder/Forward I Three Lions United

Awards & Honors
-Finished his Lake Central career with 39 goals and 45 assists
-Two-time All-State and Academic All-State selection
-Two-time First Team All-District, First Team All-Area and First Team All-Conference pick
-2017 Northwest Indiana and Post-Tribune Player of the Year
-Two-time Indiana State Cup Champions

Barnett on Shrader:
“Carson is a versatile attacking player that will compete at any position within our front four. He is a strong player back-to-goal as well as dynamic when he is faced up 1-v-1.”

“Carson has the ability to get forward and use creativity to unbalance teams and create in the final third, which is what made him such an amazing player here at Lake Central. We won three sectional championships and a regional and I’m going to try and not cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened. IUPUI is another step on the ladder in his pursuit to achieve your maximum potential. This is a great opportunity for him to display his talents at a great college with great coaches alongside.”
Jereme Rainwater, Lake Central High School

“Carson is a very dynamic player who has the ability to create chances out of nothing. He is technically very strong and has the versatility to play in numerous positions.  After working with him the last few years he has continued to grow and develop significantly as a player and I think he will be a great addition for IUPUI going forward.”
Brendan Roth, Three Lions United

Chris Workman – Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin
5-9 I Forward/Midfielder I Kings Hammer

Awards & Honors
-Earned five varsity letters in basketball and soccer at Turpin High School
-Was a four-year varsity starter in soccer, accumulating 112 career points (42 goals, 28 assists)
-Helped Turpin to a 2018 District title
-Was the 2018 ECC Conference Player of the Year and three-time First Team All-Conference honoree
-Was a two-time All-Southwest Ohio selection
-Recognized as a four-year Turpin Scholar Athlete

Barnett on Workman:
“Chris is a versatile flank player that possesses a relentless work rate. His overall speed and ability on the ball 1-v-1 to create opportunities from flank service is quality.”

“IUPUI is getting a great attacking player that is not just creative in his ways to score, but one who puts relentless pressure on a defense. His team first attitude, athletic ability, positivity and determination to improve makes him a valuable asset that can play anywhere on the field.  As a youth player at Kings Hammer Soccer Club, his leadership and charisma have led his teams to much success for many years. I am very excited and proud of Chris for achieving the next step of his dream of playing soccer at a high level, while pursuing his interests in engineering.” 
Eric Rothwell, Kings Hammer Soccer Club

“Chris is a player that has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates throughout his four-year high school career. Due to his work ethic skill, and leadership on and off the field, he was chosen by his teammates to be a captain all four years. He represents everything that we want younger players to become as they aspire to become a Spartan Soccer Player. We are very excited for Chris to continue his playing career at IUPUI and wish him the best as he takes the next step in his journey.”
Jamie Harloff, Turpin High School