University of Wisconsin men’s soccer program announces 2019 recruiting class
MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin men’s soccer team has unveiled its recruiting class ahead of the 2019 NCAA season.
The Badgers are coming off a strong season in which a young squad earned the No. 2 seed at the Big Ten Tournament and narrowly missed an NCAA tournament berth. With almost the entirety of last year’s team back for another season, Wisconsin will look to make some noise in the Big Ten Conference with the addition of this talented recruiting class.
“The staff here at Wisconsin is very excited about releasing our 2019 recruiting class,” head coach John Trask said. “This 10-member class has addressed needs and will continue to add depth and quality to our existing team. The combination of high-level soccer pedigrees and, just as important, an academic background, will help them adjust and ultimately reach their potential in a highly competitive environment here at Wisconsin.”
Carter Abbott
Carter Abbott joins the Badgers fresh off being named the Wisconsin High School State Player of the Year after a dominant season in goal for the Marquette Hilltoppers in Milwaukee. The Wauwatosa native was the first goalkeeper to win the prestigious award in 17 years.
As a sophomore, Abbott competed for the US Development Academy with FC United in Chicago, before playing for Marquette his junior and senior seasons. Marquette won the state championship in both seasons, with Abbott being named to the All-State team each year. As a senior, Abbott only allowed nine goals on the year, including zero goals in six-straight playoff games on the way to the state title. His club team, FC Waukesha, also won three state championships in four years with him in goal.
The United Soccer Coaches and Top Drawer Soccer All-American also played basketball and baseball at Marquette, had three-straight semesters on the High Honor Roll and was Vice President of the MUHS Spirit Club.
Abbott on why he chose Wisconsin:
“From a young age, I have always wanted to play college soccer at the highest level, and that means Big Ten soccer. To be able to stay home and receive a renowned education, while playing the game I love, is a dream come true. I couldn’t be more appreciative and excited to get on campus and start working as hard as I can to continue the winning tradition that Coach Trask and this program have experienced.”
Trask on Abbott:
“Carter is a talented goalkeeper who is joining us from Milwaukee. Initially identified at our Winter ID Camp, Carter has had an outstanding youth career with FC Waukesha and Marquette High School and has the work ethic to reach his goals. We are looking forward to have Carter join a very strong goalkeeper group here at UW.”
Tiemeyer on Abbott:
“Carter comes to UW after a very successful high school career at Marquette High School under the direction of Steve Lawrence. He is a high school All-American and will be a great addition to our GK corps. Carter’s attributes include high level athleticism and a genuine, team first personality.”
Loren Altman
Loren Altman is a Minnesota native who comes to Wisconsin after playing for his high school, White Bear Lake, and his club team, Prior Lake SC. Altman has experience all over the field but will be a defender for the Badgers.
Altman was a standout in high school before a knee injury forced him to miss his senior season. As a junior, Altman recorded 16 goals and four assists, leading him to All-Conference and All-State honors. The defender also excelled playing for the ODP Region II team from 2016-2018, and was a trialist for the Portland Timbers in 2017.
Outside of soccer, Altman also played track and football, and was a part of orientation groups for incoming students at his high school.
Altman on why he chose Wisconsin:
“I chose to attend Wisconsin because of the cozy hometown feel. Madison provides everything a college student could want, from State Street to the Union, to the awesome athletic atmosphere and the prestigious academics. Madison is the place to be.”
Trask on Altman:
“Loren is what I call a natural; the game comes easy for him. Very good technique and comfort on the ball along with excellent athleticism. Loren was identified at our camps and having had the privilege to meet him, I know he has special qualities. Unfortunately, for the team and him, a knee injury will force a medical redshirt this coming fall but the staff is anxiously awaiting his return to play.”
Tiemeyer on Altman:
“Loren joins our program at UW following an outstanding club career in Prior Lake, MN under Steve Leonard. He has been a standout with the Minnesota and Regional ODP program as an outside and center back. He brings very fluid athleticism to the game and is an extremely comfortable passer for a defender.”
Tim Bielic
Tim Bielic is a 5-5 central midfielder that comes to campus ranked as the No. 14 midfielder and No. 47 player in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer. He attended Rolling Meadows High School in Illinois but played soccer with US Development Academy team Sockers FC Chicago.
As a freshman, Bielic captained the Sockers’ U14 team, was named to the U14 DA Showcase Best XI, and was part of the U14 U.S. National team. The following year, Bielic won the Central U15/16 Mid-American Divison with Sockers FC and was a part of the DA Playoffs Best XI. In his junior season Bielic captained Sockers FC as the team earned a spot in the Final IV in the National Playoffs, with Bielic being named to both the Winter Showcase and Playoffs Best XI. Bielic also was a member of the U16 U.S. National Team this year. This past season, Bielic played with the U18/19 Sockers FC team that competed in the Final IV of the USSDA U18/19 Playoffs.
The Arlington Heights, Illinois, native was on the Honor Roll for the past three school years and volunteers with charitable organization Feed My Starving Children.
Bielic on why he chose Wisconsin:
“I chose to attend Wisconsin because of the incredible unity displayed throughout campus, the world class academic experience, and the professional athletic environment.”
Trask on Bielic:
“Timmy is a player who everyone wants to play with; work rate, hunger, quality, technique and experience will allow him to compete immediately for the Badgers. We’ve had many exceptional players from the Sockers S.C. and his coaches in Chicago have done an outstanding job preparing him for the next level.”
Tiemeyer on Bielic:
“Timmy is a work horse midfielder with outstanding club pedigree from the Chicago Sockers. His ability to be always around the play, defensively and offensively, will impress. Coach Richardson at the Sockers continues to produce outstanding talent, and Tim is no exception!”
Justin Bobb
Justin Bobb comes to Wisconsin after playing for six years with the prestigious Bethesda Soccer Club in Maryland. The 5-9 defender has experience at both outside and center back.
Bobb has been a staple in the lineup of the U18/19 Bethesda team the last two seasons, playing in 37 matches for the club in the USSDA. Outside of Bethesda, Bobb also trained at the U.S. Training Center in 2014 and 2015. While soccer was his focus, Bobb was also a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball and hockey in addition to soccer.
Bobb was also a two-year Honor Roll member and has significant volunteer experience helping children with special needs.
Bobb on why he chose Wisconsin:
“There is no other place like it. It is the perfect home for me as it has countless possibilities and resources available for me to strive to my fullest potential, both academically and athletically. It is a humbling opportunity to be able to continue my soccer career, as well as start my journey as a young, independent man.”
Trask on Bobb:
“Justin is a tenacious and quality defender who has been challenged daily in the competitive Maryland soccer environment. Justin possesses a very good combination of athleticism and technical ability. Both his parents are alumni of Wisconsin and it is great that he has chosen to follow in their footsteps.”
Tiemeyer on Bobb:
“Justin is a lifelong Badger fan from Bethesda Soccer Club. As a defender, he is determined and high-end competitive. He will bring ball winning qualities to the backline as a center back or outside back. ”
Nick Fetzer
Nick Fetzer is a 5-10 outside back from Houston, Texas that will be a strong addition to the Badgers’ defense.
Fetzer was team captain for high school team at Strake Jesuit College Prep, making second-team All-District his senior year. Fetzer is also a member of the USL League Two team Houston FC, who he has been a starter and captain for the last two seasons, demonstrating his leadership ability at a high level of soccer. Internationally, Fetzer was the captain for the England Tour in 2016.
Outside of soccer, Fetzer also competed in swimming, water polo and basketball, was a member of the Honor Roll for four years, and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors.
Fetzer on why he chose Wisconsin:
“I chose to attend Wisconsin for its high academic and athletic standards. The level in the classroom and on the soccer team is unmatched. Wisconsin has been a dream school of mine since I was little and I’m extremely honored for this opportunity.”
Trask on Fetzer:
“Nick is just a footballer from Texas who eats, sleeps and loves the game. Nick has been very fortunate to have played at the adult level over the past couple of years which should make his transition to college soccer a little easier. Nick has been to our camps multiple times and we all feel very strongly that he will have an impact here at Wisconsin.”
Tiemeyer on Fetzer:
“Nick brings a wealth of soccer experience with him to UW. He has played for Coach Bruce Talbot the past couple years in Houston and has great experience playing with older players. He is very capable of playing in the backline as a center back or outside back and can just as easily pop into the midfield. He is comfortable on the ball, very competitive and a strong ball winner.”
Iñaki Iribarren
Iñaki Iribarren is a native of Pamplona, Spain, joining the Badgers after spending eight seasons in the academy of C.A Osasuna, a Spanish LaLiga team based in Pamplona.
The 6-2 midfielder was the captain of Osasuna academy teams for six years, and played up an age group for six of his eight years in the academy. Iribarren has played in several international tournaments in both Spain and Morocco, playing against high-level teams such as Manchester City, AC Milan, Benfica, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon.
Iribarren also competed in swimming in Spain, was a volunteer instructor at Osasuna summer camp, and was a food collection volunteer for charity.
Iribarren on why he chose Wisconsin:
“I chose to attend Wisconsin because I think it is the best place to develop as a player and as a person, playing in one of the best conferences in the nation at the highest college soccer level, and studying at a very prestigious university.”
Trask on Iribarren:
“Iñaki is one of two Spanish players who will be joining us this fall. He is a leader and with his physical attributes, maturity and quality on the ball will make an immediate impact within the team. Iñaki had many different collegiate opportunities and we are all excited about his decision to become a Badger.”
Tiemeyer on Iribarren:
“Iñaki is a future captain of our program. Very experienced player, very comfortable on the ball and allows his teammates to use their attributes in the game. Iñaki is very capable of directing the game from the midfield and is a true two-way midfielder.”
Sven Kleinhans
Sven Kleinhans, a 6-2 goalkeeper from Ottenhoefen, Germany, joins the Badgers after competing three years for the Bluefield College Rams, where he was named second team AAC last season and three times to the AAC All-Academic Team. The three-time Defensive Player of the Week was also on the All-Regional Team in 2017 after leading his squad to become NCCAA Regional Champions in 2017.
On his Youth National Team, he was named a Top-25 National Goalkeeper U15-U18, was a Showcase and Draft for Youth National League U15-U18, the starting GK for the state team U14-19, and won the Best State and Region Goalkeeper Award U14-U19. He has done five international tours in Spain, France and Switzerland.
Off the field, he was in the Honors Program, Summa Cum Laude and Outstanding Graduating Senior in the departments of Criminal Justice and Exercise Sport Science.
Kleinhans on why he choose Wisconsin:
“It offers the perfect package of education and athletics. I believe that I can influence my teammates with my leadership and commitment and I am excited to become a Badger!”
Trask on Kleinhans:
“Sven joins us after a very successful career at an NAIA school. He will follow in the footsteps of two former greats – Phillip Schilling and Morten Lamps – from his home country of Germany to pursue a Master’s degree program here at UW. What stands out with Sven is his quality shot-stopping but equally important is his distribution from the back.”
Tiemeyer on Kleinhans:
“Sven will be the next successful graduate student GK in our program. He had an outstanding career at Bluefield College following a youth career in Germany that included time at Karlsruhe. He is a great person, outstanding student and will be counted on to add depth in goal this year.”
Alex Rovirosa
Alex Rovirosa is a 5-9 midfielder and he is the second member of this recruiting class to come to the Badgers from Spain. Rovirosa has lived in multiple different countries in Europe, playing for different clubs. Most recently, he played for C.F. Mollet’s youth team in Spain.
The Spaniard excelled academically, being named the most outstanding student at Hamelin Laie international school three of the last four years. Rovirosa also has an extensive history of community service, traveling to Kenya for two years to volunteer in an orphanage, working with various NGO’s defending women’s rights in developing countries, and worked with an organization that collected and sent books to schools in third world countries.
Rovirosa on why he chose Wisconsin:
“I chose to attend Wisconsin because I believe they are giving me the opportunity of developing myself as a player and having the chance of getting a degree in business in one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is a dream come true for me. I am looking forward to staying on campus and to start making friendships that will last forever.”
Trask on Rovirosa:
“Alex is a player who assistant coach Aaron Holhbein had the opportunity to meet and watch play in his homeland of Spain. Alex brings creativity and quality in the attacking half of the field. His versatility in terms of playing either as a forward or midfielder will allow him to compete for different spots on the team.”
Tiemeyer on Rovirosa:
“Alex is an outstanding young man. He has lived in multiple different countries, speaks numerous languages and is mature beyond his years. All that said, he is an outstanding attacking midfielder/forward. He is an excellent striker of the ball and has an outstanding passing range. He will be a valuable addition to our attack this year!”
Michael Wampler
Michael Wampler comes from a strong soccer family out of Cincinnati, Ohio, as his sister Sarah plays college soccer at Indiana University. Wampler is 6-1 and can play in the midfield and at forward.
In high school, Wampler split time between the Columbus Crew academy team and playing for his high school, St. Xavier. In his two seasons with the Crew U17 team, Wampler was the leading scorer for the team with 15 goals and seven assists in 51 games. His play helped the Crew reach the Elite Eight in the USSDA National Championships, and he was a three-time Top Drawer Soccer DA Standout. In his senior year at St. Xavier, his team was District Champions, and Wampler was named to the All-League, All-City and All-Southwest teams. Wampler also traveled internationally in 2015 with the ODP Region Two Team to the International Tour in Costa Rica.
Wampler was also a strong member in his community, as he was a soccer camp counselor for inner city children, and created a non-profit called Ginga Joy Free Kicks for Kids, which collected and donated over 500 pounds of soccer equipment to underprivileged kids in need.
Wampler on why he chose Wisconsin:
“I chose Wisconsin because of the strong soccer program, the beautiful college campus in Madison and the top-notch academics. Coach Trask has been building a winning tradition and a culture of excellence at Wisconsin. I can’t wait to join the team and be part of the next four-year journey of excellence.”
Trask on Wampler:
“Michael joins us from Cincinnati where he traveled to play for the Columbus Crew Academy program. Michael has very good attacking instincts and will compete for time at a number of attacking roles here at Wisconsin.”
Tiemeyer on Wampler:
“Michael comes to Wisconsin after an outstanding club career with the Columbus Crew and Cincinnati United Soccer Club. He is a tall, lanky forward that is very capable of scoring goals. He is a good striker of the ball and finds dangerous spots to score.”
