SMU men’s soccer team adds pair of transfers

DALLAS (Via Southern Methodist University) – The SMU men’s soccer team announced two additions, Gabriel Costa and Nick Taylor, to the 2019 roster.

The two transfers join the Mustang squad that went 10-5-3 in 2018 and won the American Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships. With only three graduating seniors, the Ponies return a large chunk of the team for the 2019 fall season.

Gabriel Costa – (M/F) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Costa played for Azusa Pacific University, where he was named the 2018 PacWest Conference Player of the Year as a freshman. The midfielder/forward was also named 1st team All-PacWest and was recognized by the United Soccer Coaches Division II as a First Team All-American. Costa scored 14 goals and added 13 assists while leading APU to the third round of the NCAA tournament.

“Gabriel is an elite attacking talent,” said head coach Kevin Hudson. “He has the ability to see key passes that most other players cannot recognize. His vision will be a wonderful asset for the Mustang attack. Gabriel can score goals in many different ways showing his ability to score big time free kicks and with both feet in the run of play.”

Nick Taylor – (F) Coppell, Texas

Taylor, the sophomore transfer from the University of New Mexico, started every game for the Lobos and led the team with four goals and five assists. He was named Second-Team All-C-USA in 2018. While attending Coppell High School, he led the team to the 2016 Texas UIL 6-A State Championship. He racked up numerous accolades in high school, including 2016 NSCAA Winter-Spring High School Boys All-American Team, Second-Team All-American in 2016, Second Team All-State in 2017 and First-Team All-State in 2016.

“Nick’s attributes allow him to play numerous positions, and we believe he will make an immediate impact in 2019,” said Hudson. “We recruited Nick out of Coppell, and we are thrilled that he comes to SMU after two very successful seasons at UNM. Nick has a great blend of pace, athleticism, technique and grit. His quickness and relentless work rate will be a great addition to the SMU roster.”