Daley Announces Michigan Men's Soccer 2023 Signing Class
6/16/2023 12:59:00 PM | Men's Soccer
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's soccer head coach Chaka Daley announced Friday (June 16) the signings of 12 incoming freshmen to National Letters of Intent.
The class of 2023 includes William Baker, Dylan Davis, Benjamin Feinstein, Matthew Fisher, Isaiah Goldson, Duilio Herrera, Jonathan Nabaka, Patrick O'Toole, Murphy Parker, Kyle Pierson, Joao Paulo Ramos and Alex Waggoner.
"We are very excited about this incoming class of student-athletes," said Daley. "Not only are they top players in their respective teams and areas, but they are all very ambitious students and leaders in their communities. We are excited to watch them grow in our environment and know they will become great ambassadors for our program. Our staff has addressed many needs with this large class and we are eager to watch these young men complement our returning group and fulfill their potential."
William Baker | D | 6-4 | Frisco, Texas (Memorial High School) | FC Dallas
• Co-captain U19 FC Dallas Academy
• Dallas Super Cup Participant in 2022 and 2023
• Played in the MLS Next Cup semifinal game in 2022 and quarterfinal in 2021
• Made his debut with North Texas SC in the 2021-22 season
Daley on Baker: Will comes to Ann Arbor from one of the best youth academies in the MLS. He has gained valuable experience at both the MLS Academy (FC Dallas) and MLS NEXT Pro (North Texas) as a starting center back. He is a player who possesses the tools of a modern-day central defender. Will's physical qualities, ability to build in possession, and defensive instincts make him a player who we expect will compete and lead right away.
Dylan Davis | D/M | 6-3 | Rochester, Mich. (Rochester High School) | Vardar
• Played club soccer for Vardar and Sporting Michigan
• Played three years of varsity soccer at Rochester High School
• Was a two-time all-district, all-region and all-league honoree
• Named Team MVP in his sophomore season
Daley on Davis: Dylan is an exciting young player that we are very eager to work with. His size and speed are rare athletic combos that gives him potential to be successful in the college game. Dylan's versatility will add another dimension to our midfield and defensive group. He is driven and determined to improve in every facet of his game and we are excited to be a part of his growth.
Benjamin Feinstein | M | 5-10 | Pittsburgh, Pa. (The Kiski School, Saltsburg, Pa.) | Pittsburgh Riverhounds
• Two-time varsity captain and won three straight PAISSA State Championships
• Named a 2022 High School All-American and participated in the high school All-American game
• Earned ECNL Midwest Conference First Team honors
• Trains with the USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds
• Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year nominee
Daley on Feinstein: Ben's mature approach to all areas of his development both on and off the field is impressive. From high school All-American to Valedictorian, Ben embodies the true definition of a student-athlete and we are confident his transition will be seamless. He is a technically strong two-way player that will add depth and quality to our midfield for years to come.
Matthew Fisher | D | 5-9 | Rochester, Mich. (Blue Valley North, Overland Park, Kan.) | Sporting Kansas City
• Signed an MLS NEXT Pro Amateur Contract with Sporting Kansas City II
• Co-captain U19 & U17 for Sporting Kansas City
• Played in and started all matches in the MLS Next Playoffs
• Member of U14 United States Youth National Team -- Central Region Camp
Daley on Fisher: "Fish" has a strong mentality that will be impactful immediately. He has participated in all training environments with Sporting Kansas City from the youth academy all the way to the MLS NEXT Pro season. These experiences have helped Matt refine his defensive instincts and he has the potential to become an elite 1v1 defender who can also use his speed and power as an attacking threat.
Isaiah Goldson | GK | 6-0 | Oakville, Ontario (Garth Webb Secondary School) | Toronto FC
• Starting goalkeeper for U19 Toronto FC Academy
• Played with the Ontario Provincial Team in 2019 and 2022
• Starting goalkeeper with Vaughan Soccer Club in 2020 and 2021
• Was a three-time honor roll recipient at Garth Webb Secondary School
Daley on Goldson: Isaiah will immediately strengthen and add quality to an already competitive goalkeeping core. His athletic and technical abilities, along with his game management and soccer IQ set him apart from many goalkeepers. Isaiah has the potential to become a very successful goalkeeper and leader within our program and beyond.
Duilio Herrera | M/F | 5-10 | Edinburg, Texas (Johny Economedes High School) | Rio Grand Valley FC Toros
• Captain for RGV FC Toros U19s
• Signed an Academy Contract with RGV FC Toros USL Championship First Team
• USL Academy League Finals Top Players to Watch
• IMG Tournament participant
Daley on Herrera: "Zurdo" arrives from the Valley, an area with a lot of hidden talent. He has gained valuable next level experience by featuring in over 25 games for RGV in the USL. He has top level 1v1 ability, vision, soccer IQ and an unselfishness to match, making him a great teammate. Duilio's versatility will allow him to impact our group and contribute immediately.
Jonathan Nabaka | D | 5-11 | Miami Beach, Fla. (Miami Beach Senior High School) | Inter Miami CF
• Inter Miami CF U19's and MLS NEXT Pro 2021-2023
• Weston Youth Academy
• College Board National African American Recognition Program Recipient
• International Champions Cup Tournament participant
Daley on Nabaka: Jonny has the potential to become a lockdown defender with an attacking edge. His tenacity, timing and speed make him a constant threat in the attack and in transition. His selflessness and willingness to do the dirty work will be invaluable for our team. His attitude is overwhelmingly contagious and we can't wait to watch him work.
Patrick O'Toole | D/M | 5-9 | Montclair, N.J. (Montclair High School) | TSF Academy
• United Soccer Coaches first team All-State
• New Jersey Soccer Coaches first team All-State and All-County
• All Super Essex Conference American Division first-team soccer player
• High School Coaches Award for Most Outstanding Male Athlete
Daley on O'Toole: Patrick had the benefit of getting here a semester early to train with the team and he's certainly made every moment count. From day one, he has made his presence felt by setting the tone in his approach to training. His preparation and drive to maximize every opportunity is exciting to watch. We expect him to take another step this fall season as his versatility will benefit our group.
Murphy Parker | M | 5-10 | London, England (Charterhouse) | Fulham FC
• Premier League (UK) Cup Finalist U18
• Trained at Club Brugge in Belgium
• Finished second in the Youth Premier League (UK) in 2022
• National Premier League Tournament U16 Participant
Daley on Parker: Simple and effective is the most accurate way to define Murph's game. Coming from a top Premier League Academy, Murphy will thrive in the hectic style of college soccer. His soccer IQ and technical quality on the ball will add a different element to enhance our midfield group. We look forward to seeing his growth and maturity here at Michigan.
Kyle Pierson | M | 5-7 | Plymouth, Mich. (Detroit Catholic Central) | Michigan Wolves
• United Soccer Coaches All-American honors
• Named Mr. Soccer of the State of Michigan in 2022
• Michigan Dream Team, first team All-State
• Michigan Wolves' leading goal scorer for the 2022-2023 season
Daley on Pierson: Kyle is a local product that has been an integral part of the outstanding Michigan Wolves MLS Next Academy. Being named Michigan's Mr. Soccer is no easy feat as it is awarded to the top high school soccer player in the state. He has a knack for scoring goals and has great instincts in and around the box. We are very excited to see him fulfill his potential at Michigan and have no doubt he can be a factor during his four years.
Joao Paulo Ramos | M | 5-9 | Marietta, Ga. (George Walton High School) | Atlanta United
• Atlanta United U17s & U19s
• Named to the MLS NEXT "Best of" Match
• Selected for the U.S. Men's National Team Regional Camp in 2020
• Started playing for Empire United U19 at age 15
• Played for Corinthians FC in Brazil from U11 to U15 before moving to the United States
Daley on Ramos: Joao Paulo will undoubtedly add some personality and flavor to our group. He has great tools and combines well in the attacking third. Not only is he a threat in the run of play, but Joao also offers set-piece danger. Coming from one of the premier MLS academies in the country, he has now gained great experience by training consistently with Atlanta MLS NEXT Pro and the first team. We look forward to seeing Joao compete and thrive throughout his time here at Michigan.
Alex Waggoner | F | 6-1 | Santa Fe, New Mexico (Santa Fe High School) | New Mexico United
• Signed Academy Contract with New Mexico United USL Championship First Team
• USL Academy League Finals National Golden Boot Winner
• New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior
• Led his team to two state cup titles and was a three-time all-state player
• Earned United Soccer Coaches All-America honors and United Soccer Coaches New Mexico Player of the Year
Daley on Waggoner: "Waggs" is relentless. His drive and mentality on and off the field will be infectious and very much welcomed by his coaches and teammates here at Michigan. Alex has the physical profile to become an elite forward in the college game and beyond. His engine and willingness to press, combined with his desire to get in behind and score goals will make him exciting to watch. His goal-scoring prowess speaks for itself, as he's been rewarded in his home state with meaningful time in the USL Championship which will pay dividends for Michigan soccer as he leads the line.
