Ohio State men’s soccer signs four student-athletes for 2021

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Brian Maisonneuve, head coach for the Ohio State men’s soccer team, had four student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent. Anthony Samways, Max Trejo, Nick Isaac and Tommaso Villa will play for the Buckeyes in 2021.

Anthony Samways | Outside Back | 5-9 | Loveland, Ohio | New Albany HS | Columbus Crew Academy

Played with the Crew SC Academy U-16/17 and U-18/19 teams under head coach Kelvin Jones…Trained with the first team for the last three years, including appearances in three exhibition matches…Started every match for the U-19 squad.

Maisonneuve on Samways: “Anthony is a very good soccer player with a high IQ. He has the ability to play both sides of the ball as an outside back and the versatility to pop in the midfield as well. His technical ability is top notch, he has excellent athleticism and we love his competitiveness. We are so excited to have Anthony as part of the Buckeye family.”

Max Trejo | Goalkeeper | 6-2 | Lawrence, Kan. | Shawnee Mission East HS | SKC Academy

Started three games in the USL with Sporting Kansas City II…Trains regularly with the professional Sporting Kansas City first team…Won the state cup with SKC Academy…Advanced to the quarterfinals of the playoffs with the U-19 team…Played against Real Madrid in the GA Cup.

Maisonneuve on Trejo: “Max is an excellent goalkeeper. He is good shot stopper, has nice feet and commands his box. His organizational skills are great and he gives confidence to his entire back line. His overall presence for a young goalkeeper is fantastic. Max comes to us from a very professional environment at Sporting KC, where he has received excellent coaching and experience. He will have a great collegiate career and more.”

Nick Isaac | Forward | 5-8 | Grove City, Ohio | Grove City HS | Ohio Premier

Four-year letterwinner at Grove City High School for head coach Bryan Mulvany…Two-time varsity captain and three-time leading scorer for the Greyhounds…2017 second team All-OCC…Earned first team All-OCC and all-district laurels as a junior and senior…Finished his career with 41 goals and 23 assists…OHSAA Excellence in Sportsmanship Award recipient…Plays club soccer for Ohio Premier and coaches Matt Weiss and Jason Griffiths…Received first team all-conference honors with ECNL in 2017 and 2018.

Maisonneuve on Isaac: “Nick is a great addition for us. He has a very good first step and can beat players off the dribble. He can play up top, as the 10, or out wide. Nick also has the ability to create and score goals. He is a local boy coming to us from one of the best clubs in the Midwest, Ohio Premier, and will make a great Buckeye.”

Tommaso Villa | Midfielder | 5-9 | Twinsburg, Ohio | Dublin Coffman HS | Columbus Crew Academy

Has been with the Columbus Crew Academy for the last two seasons and has trained with the first team…Was in trials for Fulham, Bromley and Crewe Alexandria in England…Captained one of the only U.S. teams in the Gothia Cup and Dana Cup, went on to win the Dana Cup.

Maisonneuve on Villa: “We are so excited to have Tommaso here at Ohio State. Like Anthony, Tommaso joins us from an excellent environment with the Columbus Crew Academy. He has very soft feet and uses his body well. Tommaso is technically gifted and can play anywhere in the midfield. He is a good teammate and will have a positive presence in the locker room. We can’t wait to get Tommaso here on campus.”