Men’s Soccer Announces 2026 Roster
7/24/2026 12:16:00 PM | Men's Soccer
CONWAY, S.C. – Coastal Carolina head men's soccer coach Adam Perron announced his fall roster on Friday afternoon.
The Chanticleers will welcome 20 new faces in Daniel Idiakhoa, Elvis Appiah, Brady Schumacher, Baxter Hurt, Nash Skoglund, William Devine, Alberto de Miguel, Zach Hult, Parker Jackson, Kaden Pollard, Daniel Fiol, Hector Blanco, Isaac Busenze, Jackson Kelley, Pearse O'Brien, Mateo Caride, Joe Wilcock, Alvin Depina, Parker Sturgis, and Patrick Kolano.
"I couldn't be more excited to announce our first recruiting class at Coastal Carolina University. A true team effort went into recruiting these young men, and I want to thank Nick, Will, and Chay for their excellent job in landing these talented, high-quality young men," stated Perron. "I believe we found 20 guys who will be the core of a strong resurgence to the top of the Sun Belt Conference and beyond in the fall of 2026. These players bring a high level of ability, character, and personality while adding immense value to our program and the CCU campus community. I am very eager to develop and deploy this group in competition to watch them grow and flourish as players and people while competing immediately for a national championship."
Daniel Idiakhoa
A Dublin, Ireland native, Idiakhoa joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Loyola Marymount. During his time with the Lions, he appeared in 26 matches with 19 starts, totaling 1,629 minutes of action while recording three goals and two assists. Prior to his collegiate career, Idiakhoa competed with several clubs in England, including Northampton Town (2019–20), Newport Pagnell Town (2020–22), Luton Town (2022–23), and Hitchin Town (2023–24).
Perron on Idiakhoa: "Dan is an important addition within the transfer portal and encompasses the exact qualities that we look for in a box-to-box midfielder. He will impact games in all four phases. He covers a tremendous amount of ground with his athleticism and stamina, while possessing exceptionally powerful and direct attributes. He complements a robust and industrial approach with flair, creativity, and attacking quality. He will be among the leaders in our team as he is a great teammate and a high-character individual.
Elvis Appiah
Appiah joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Lipscomb, where he appeared in 11 matches with four starts, recording one assist and totaling 449 minutes of action. Appiah enjoyed a standout high school career, where he won two MAPL Championships, two NJSIAA Prep A State Championships, and the 2023 Battle of 31. He was named a 2025 All-American and All-State selection, earned Prep A Player of the Year honors, and set the Pennington boys soccer single-season scoring record with 34 goals.
Perron on Appiah: "I've known Elvis for some time now as he played prep school soccer for a powerhouse in the Pennington School as well as club soccer for another perennial power in Cedar Stars Bergen. Elvis is an athletic machine, capable of breaking down defenders off the dribble with elite acceleration and change of pace while also threatening opposing defenses with his verticality and off-the-ball movement. He's always had a nose for goal, and we expect him to produce a major attacking threat for our side. He is a wonderful human being with high aspirations, and I am excited to help him reach new heights in his career."
Brady Schumacher
Schumacher joins the Chanticleers from Tega Cay, S.C., after developing through the MLS pathway. He played for Charlotte FC Academy from 2021–24 before competing with Eture Men's Soccer in 2024. Schumacher joined the Minnesota United Academy Second Team in 2025, where he made 10 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro.
Perron on Schumacher: "Brady was a priority add for the 2026 freshman class as I had been following him closely with the 2's of Minnesota United. He's a creative, skilled, and industrious attacking player who can beat players off the dribble or find a clever pass. He reads space very well and can create chances for our group at a high rate. He's from South Carolina as well, which means he will have tremendous pride pulling on the jersey every matchday."
Baxter Hurt
A native of Louisville, Ky., Hurt joins Coastal as a transfer from Lipscomb. He appeared in 26 matches for the Bisons, totaling 1,956 minutes of action and recording one goal while playing the full 90 minutes in 19 matches. Prior to his collegiate career, Hurt helped Kentucky Country Day win two district championships and the 2021 All A State Championship. He also helped Louisville City capture the 2024 ECNL North America Cup.
Perron on Hurt: "Baxter was one of several transfers we brought into the program to augment the talent pool and mentality within the group. Baxter had a great start to his college career at Lipscomb, earning a ton of valuable minutes over the first two seasons. He's a versatile center back who can play any role across a back 2 or 3 system. Baxter is composed in possession with a nice range of passing and carries a strong defensive presence with him as well. Excited to see what he can accomplish in his three seasons of eligibility here.
Nash Skoglund
A native of Dacula, Ga., Skoglund joins Coastal as a transfer goalkeeper from South Carolina. During his time with the Gamecocks, he appeared in two matches and recorded a .333 save percentage. Prior to his collegiate career, Skoglund competed with the Atlanta United Academy, where he participated in the Generation Adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Playoffs. He was also named Man of the Match in his professional debut with Atlanta United 2.
Perron on Skoglund: "I've known about Nash for about four years now from his time at Atlanta United. He is an athletic and fearless goalkeeper with the ability to make big saves in key moments. He has strong communication skills, and his voice will be heard by everyone in Myrtle Beach when he is in the goal. His time at USC has really helped his growth and maturity in the position. I am thrilled to have Nash here and believe he will be a core leader within our group moving forward."
William Devine
Devine joins the Chanticleers as a transfer goalkeeper from Iowa Western. During his time with the Reivers, he appeared in six matches, totaling 540 minutes and making six saves. Prior to his collegiate career, Devine led Lewis Central High School to two state championships and two district titles. He was also named First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference, Defensive Player of the Year, and City Player of the Year in 2022.
Perron on Devine: "Will is a very strong addition to our goalkeeper room from one of the best programs in junior college, Iowa Western. He is springy, agile, and very brave, with good distribution to start our attack from deep build-up play. He's always played with a chip on his shoulder, which will serve him well when it comes to competing with Nash and Ben every day in training. He, too, has tremendous potential and will raise the standard here no doubt."
Alberto de Miguel
De Miguel joins the Chanticleers after spending time at Murray State, Cowley College, and West Texas FC of the NPSL. He has appeared in 19 collegiate matches, recording four goals and four assists. During his time with West Texas FC, De Miguel was named the Lone Star Conference MVP and earned the NPSL Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals in 10 matches.
Perron on de Miguel: "Alberto is a top junior college prospect from Cowley College, a semi-finalist in this year's JUCO championships. Alberto is extremely versatile and can play a variety of positions, though he feels most comfortable as a central attacking midfielder or forward. He brings a tremendous pedigree, hailing from Atletico Madrid's famed academy, and you can see the quality, passion, and skill every time he plays. He is a dangerous attacking talent that the Chant community will enjoy watching every week."
Zach Hult
A Hawthorn Woods, Ill., native, Hult joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Iowa Western. After missing the regular season due to injuries, Hult competed during the summer with Bavarian United Soccer Club, where he recorded 10 goals and four assists across 11 matches while helping the club reach the USL League Two playoffs. He also competed with Siouxland United FC in the NPSL, appearing in four matches and recording two assists while contributing to two clean sheets.
Perron on Hult: "Zach is a big-time addition from Iowa Western that we are working hard to bring back to full form, as he is an out-and-out goalscorer. A combination of instinct, power, and finishing ability allows him to constantly threaten the opposing defenses, while getting on the end of chances and creating spaces for our primary playmakers. We are so happy to have him and are pulling for him to get back to his very best."
Parker Jackson
A Houston, Texas, native, Jackson joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Portland, where he appeared in eight matches with two starts, recording five shots, including two on target, across 258 minutes of action. Prior to his collegiate career, Jackson attended Enlightium Academy and played club soccer for the Houston Dynamo, developing into one of the top prospects in the state and ranking No. 18 in Texas by TopDrawerSoccer during his high school career.
Perron on Jackson: "Parker is someone I've had a long history with, having recruited him during my days at Virginia and following his career at one of the best college soccer programs at the University of Portland. He is brave and confident on the ball, combining nimble footwork, agility, and balance to beat defenders and progress attacks. He makes great runs and is difficult for opposition teams to keep track of. He also covers a lot of ground in midfield and will work defensively to win balls back for his team. We are very excited to have Parker here."
Kaden Pollard
Pollard joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Kentucky. He appeared in 10 matches with four starts for the Wildcats and recorded a 1.000 shots-on-goal percentage. A four-star recruit, Pollard was ranked No. 14 nationally in the U14 age group by TopDrawerSoccer and ranked No. 1 in New York and No. 2 in New Jersey for multiple seasons.
Perron on Pollard: "Kaden is an exciting addition from the transfer portal who brings experience, poise, and pedigree to our program. Coming up through the NYCFC youth system and spending two years at a high-level Sun Belt program has helped him mature and develop his game to impact our team right away. He is extremely composed and displays a professional-level technical foundation coupled with game intelligence and elite vision. He is positionally versatile and plays with a chip on his shoulder. I couldn't be more excited to work with him for the next three years".
Daniel Fiol
Fiol, a native of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, developed with Atlético Baleares from U12 to U19, where he competed in Spain's División de Honor Juvenil against top academies including Barcelona, Girona, Mallorca, Real Zaragoza, Real Madrid, and Villarreal. He helped Atlético Baleares defeat Getafe in the second round of the 2021 Copa del Rey before joining Pafos FC for the 2022-23 season, where he contributed to a league championship and domestic cup title in Cyprus. Fiol then played for Poblense from 2023-25, helping the club capture the 3RFEF championship and earn promotion to 2RFEF, before joining Alzira for the 2025-26 season.
Perron on Fiol: "Dani is an experienced and talented holding midfield player from Mallorca, Spain who we anticipate to have a very strong impact within the team. He brings tremendous poise and composure on the ball and off the ball is tactically intelligent and calculated in his movements. He can break lines with his passing and open the game for us while helping us get out of pressure in key moments. We believe he will be one of the strongest midfield players in the Sun Belt Conference, and we are so excited to welcome him to Conway."
Hector Blanco
Blanco joins the Chanticleers from Vigo, Spain, after competing at the academy and semiprofessional levels. He began his career with Club Deportivo Lugo from 2018–19 before playing semiprofessionally for Real Valladolid from 2019–21 and Deportivo Alavés from 2021–24. Blanco also earned Best XI honors at the Spanish U19 National Championship.
Perron on Blanco: "Hector is a high-level Spanish player who hails from Vigo, Spain. He is a left-sided center back who will turn heads this fall with his decision-making, range of passing, presence, and overall leadership ability. He reads the game at a very high level. He will be instrumental within our backline this fall not only aiding in facilitating possession, but disrupting the opposition within their attacking principles. Hector chose Coastal over numerous other top programs and we are very excited to have him with us"
Isaac Busenze
Busenze joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from NC State, where he appeared in three matches, totaling 87 minutes of action while helping the team record clean sheets in all three appearances. Prior to his collegiate career, Busenze developed with Bethesda SC from 2019–25 and Barcelona USA MD from 2014–19. He helped lead Bethesda SC to MLS NEXT Flex Championships in 2023 and 2024 and was named an MLS NEXT Flex Player to Watch in 2023. Busenze also led Maryland High School to the 2021 Regional Championship title and was a three-time Maryland State Futsal Champion.
Perron on Busenze: "Zeek is a really subtle yet strong addition to this recruiting class. He has a great family pedigree in world football, with both his father and grandfather representing the Ugandan national team. His versatility is exceptional, being able to operate as a fullback, wingback, or central midfielder depending on the system we choose to utilize. He is a mobile and quick athlete who can accelerate away from pressure on the ball or close down potential threats within the defensive phase. He is very tidy in combination and will surprise opposition teams with his ability to find forward passes under pressure. We are thrilled to welcome Zeek to Conway."
Jackson Kelley
A native of Savannah, Ga., Kelley joins Coastal after a standout MLS NEXT career with IMG Academy. He spent six seasons with Tormenta FC from 2014–19 before serving as captain for IMG Academy's U14, U15, U16 and U19 MLS NEXT teams. Kelley also attended U.S. Youth National Team camps in 2022 and 2023 and helped IMG Academy win the MLS NEXT Florida Division title and its first MLS NEXT Homegrown playoff match in 2026.
Perron on Kelley: "Over the years, IMG has produced some really fantastic college players, and surely Jackson will one day be added to that list. He is tough as nails when it comes to his defensive mentality and ball-winning ability. On the ball, he is able to effectively read the picture in front of him and make calculated decisions to keep the tempo of the game. He is very versatile positionally and has leadership traits built into his character. I know he will come in here and raise our level with his desire and intensity and is exactly the type of individual a winning team needs within the locker room. I look forward to seeing Jackson grow within this program."
Pearse O'Brien
A native of West Hartford, Conn., O'Brien joins Coastal Carolina as a transfer from Providence. During his time with the Friars, he appeared in 46 matches with 34 starts, totaling 3,081 minutes of action while recording four goals and 17 assists. O'Brien was named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team twice and earned BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors.
Perron on O'Brien: "In our opinion, Pearse is one of the top prospects to appear on the transfer portal this offseason, and we are thrilled to have him a part of our team. He is a dynamic and versatile playmaker who can impact games in a variety of ways. He can beat pressure on the turn or with a dribble, has the vision for the final pass and technical qualities to execute it at a high level. Pearse will contribute goals with his long-range ball striking ability and attacking instincts. He is a committed young pro with his mentality and discipline towards his craft and will be a great role model within the community."
Mateo Caride
Caride joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Maryland. During his time with the Terrapins, he appeared in 10 matches, totaling 255 minutes of action while recording one goal. Prior to his collegiate career, Caride competed for Vaughan SC and St. Ignatius of Loyola High School. He helped guide Vaughan SC to the 2024 League 1 Cup Championship and was a member of two U-20 championship-winning teams. Caride also led St. Ignatius of Loyola to championships in 2022 and 2024 while earning Halton Region Most Valuable Player honors in 2024 after being named Young Player of the Year in 2022.
Perron on Caride: "The Argentine is a very sneaky prospect we grabbed in the spring transfer window from one of the best college soccer programs in the country. He is an out-and-out nine with a diverse skillset. He can hold up the ball and bring our team into attack; he can provide incisive and insightful passes to supporting teammates utilizing his vision and awareness. His off-the-ball movements are crafty and well-timed, and most importantly, against the ball he is willing to run, press, and defend, which sets the tone for our defensive intentions. We have high expectations for Mateo, and are excited for what he will bring to this program."
Joe Wilcock
Wilcock comes to Coastal from Lancashire, England. He won the 2022 U14 Lancashire Cup with Holy Cross High School while also competing in the Manchester United academy from 2011–22. He continued his development with Burnley from 2022–26, helping the club win the 2025 league title.
Perron on Wilcock: "Joe was a very late grab for us, having committed him in the summer months, and is a massive addition to our side. Joe has been in two of the top academies in England, competing for Manchester United up until he was 14 and moving into Burnley's youth setup until this spring. He is a crafty and technical left-sided player, composed in tight areas, and has the ability to utilize various tools on the dribble or in combination to navigate pressure. Joe also plays with a chip on his shoulder and possesses tremendous intangibles that lead to winning. We are excited to get Joe here to Conway."
Alvin Depina
Depina joins the Chanticleers from Boston, Mass., after competing in the MLS NEXT ranks with two clubs. He played for the New England Revolution Academy from 2021–24, qualifying for MLS NEXT Flex in each season and helping the Revolution reach the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in 2022 and 2023. He continued his development with Intercontinental Football Academy (IFA) from 2024–26, helping the club qualify for MLS NEXT Flex and advance to the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in 2026.
Perron on Depina: "Alvin is a young prospect who we are very high on. He has a great mentality and is very consistent in his approach to the game. Hailing from two top clubs in the Northeast, the New England Revolution and IFA, he can adapt and thrive quickly within our high-level environment. He is aggressive and scrappy in his duels, possesses a strong work rate and is willing to cover ground to support the attack or track dangerous runs against the ball. He also possesses skill and ideas within the possession and approach phases of play. We are so happy to have Alvin a part of the Coastal Family."
Parker Sturgis
Sturgis joins the Chanticleers from Las Vegas, Nev., after developing through the MLS NEXT pathway. He began his youth career with Albion SC from 2021–23 before earning academy trials with the Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew. Sturgis ultimately joined the Colorado Rapids Academy, where he played from 2023–26, helping lead the club to the 2025 MLS NEXT Generation Adidas Cup Final while also contributing to back-to-back league runner-up finishes in 2025 and 2026.
Perron on Sturgis: "Parker, much like many other of the recruits in this class, was very under the radar in my opinion coming out of a strong Colorado Rapids youth organization. We are very happy he chose to be a Chanticleer. He possesses massive upside as a central defender with a great frame and solid physical tools to build from. He reads the game well positionally and has the recovery speed and quickness to deal with threatening opposition attackers. On the ball he is calm and composed, making simple decisions to solve the pictures in front of him. Parker is extremely likeable, has great character, and will be a strong player for us over the course of his tenure in Conway."
Patrick Kolano
Kolano joins Coastal from Old Bridge, N.J., after developing through the MLS NEXT pathway. He spent four seasons with the New York Red Bulls from 2019–23, helping the club capture the 2022 Patterson Cup. Kolano continued his development at the MLS NEXT Players Development Academy in New Jersey from 2023–26 before arriving in Conway.
Perron on Kolano: "Patrick is a very uncommon prospect that I believe will have a big impact in college soccer very soon. I watched and recruited him during my time at Virginia and believe he is a premier left center back prospect on the East Coast. He is very comfortable on the ball and can demonstrate a strong range of passing and ball-carrying ability to penetrate opposition lines. Defensively, he is smart in his positional play while also being aggressive and physical. I know he will adjust to the rigors of college soccer very quickly, and I am looking forward to seeing his growth, development, and impact here over his time."
For complete coverage of CCU men's soccer, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalMSoccer (X), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.
The Chanticleers will welcome 20 new faces in Daniel Idiakhoa, Elvis Appiah, Brady Schumacher, Baxter Hurt, Nash Skoglund, William Devine, Alberto de Miguel, Zach Hult, Parker Jackson, Kaden Pollard, Daniel Fiol, Hector Blanco, Isaac Busenze, Jackson Kelley, Pearse O'Brien, Mateo Caride, Joe Wilcock, Alvin Depina, Parker Sturgis, and Patrick Kolano.
"I couldn't be more excited to announce our first recruiting class at Coastal Carolina University. A true team effort went into recruiting these young men, and I want to thank Nick, Will, and Chay for their excellent job in landing these talented, high-quality young men," stated Perron. "I believe we found 20 guys who will be the core of a strong resurgence to the top of the Sun Belt Conference and beyond in the fall of 2026. These players bring a high level of ability, character, and personality while adding immense value to our program and the CCU campus community. I am very eager to develop and deploy this group in competition to watch them grow and flourish as players and people while competing immediately for a national championship."
Daniel Idiakhoa
A Dublin, Ireland native, Idiakhoa joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Loyola Marymount. During his time with the Lions, he appeared in 26 matches with 19 starts, totaling 1,629 minutes of action while recording three goals and two assists. Prior to his collegiate career, Idiakhoa competed with several clubs in England, including Northampton Town (2019–20), Newport Pagnell Town (2020–22), Luton Town (2022–23), and Hitchin Town (2023–24).
Perron on Idiakhoa: "Dan is an important addition within the transfer portal and encompasses the exact qualities that we look for in a box-to-box midfielder. He will impact games in all four phases. He covers a tremendous amount of ground with his athleticism and stamina, while possessing exceptionally powerful and direct attributes. He complements a robust and industrial approach with flair, creativity, and attacking quality. He will be among the leaders in our team as he is a great teammate and a high-character individual.
Elvis Appiah
Appiah joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Lipscomb, where he appeared in 11 matches with four starts, recording one assist and totaling 449 minutes of action. Appiah enjoyed a standout high school career, where he won two MAPL Championships, two NJSIAA Prep A State Championships, and the 2023 Battle of 31. He was named a 2025 All-American and All-State selection, earned Prep A Player of the Year honors, and set the Pennington boys soccer single-season scoring record with 34 goals.
Perron on Appiah: "I've known Elvis for some time now as he played prep school soccer for a powerhouse in the Pennington School as well as club soccer for another perennial power in Cedar Stars Bergen. Elvis is an athletic machine, capable of breaking down defenders off the dribble with elite acceleration and change of pace while also threatening opposing defenses with his verticality and off-the-ball movement. He's always had a nose for goal, and we expect him to produce a major attacking threat for our side. He is a wonderful human being with high aspirations, and I am excited to help him reach new heights in his career."
Brady Schumacher
Schumacher joins the Chanticleers from Tega Cay, S.C., after developing through the MLS pathway. He played for Charlotte FC Academy from 2021–24 before competing with Eture Men's Soccer in 2024. Schumacher joined the Minnesota United Academy Second Team in 2025, where he made 10 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro.
Perron on Schumacher: "Brady was a priority add for the 2026 freshman class as I had been following him closely with the 2's of Minnesota United. He's a creative, skilled, and industrious attacking player who can beat players off the dribble or find a clever pass. He reads space very well and can create chances for our group at a high rate. He's from South Carolina as well, which means he will have tremendous pride pulling on the jersey every matchday."
Baxter Hurt
A native of Louisville, Ky., Hurt joins Coastal as a transfer from Lipscomb. He appeared in 26 matches for the Bisons, totaling 1,956 minutes of action and recording one goal while playing the full 90 minutes in 19 matches. Prior to his collegiate career, Hurt helped Kentucky Country Day win two district championships and the 2021 All A State Championship. He also helped Louisville City capture the 2024 ECNL North America Cup.
Perron on Hurt: "Baxter was one of several transfers we brought into the program to augment the talent pool and mentality within the group. Baxter had a great start to his college career at Lipscomb, earning a ton of valuable minutes over the first two seasons. He's a versatile center back who can play any role across a back 2 or 3 system. Baxter is composed in possession with a nice range of passing and carries a strong defensive presence with him as well. Excited to see what he can accomplish in his three seasons of eligibility here.
Nash Skoglund
A native of Dacula, Ga., Skoglund joins Coastal as a transfer goalkeeper from South Carolina. During his time with the Gamecocks, he appeared in two matches and recorded a .333 save percentage. Prior to his collegiate career, Skoglund competed with the Atlanta United Academy, where he participated in the Generation Adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Playoffs. He was also named Man of the Match in his professional debut with Atlanta United 2.
Perron on Skoglund: "I've known about Nash for about four years now from his time at Atlanta United. He is an athletic and fearless goalkeeper with the ability to make big saves in key moments. He has strong communication skills, and his voice will be heard by everyone in Myrtle Beach when he is in the goal. His time at USC has really helped his growth and maturity in the position. I am thrilled to have Nash here and believe he will be a core leader within our group moving forward."
William Devine
Devine joins the Chanticleers as a transfer goalkeeper from Iowa Western. During his time with the Reivers, he appeared in six matches, totaling 540 minutes and making six saves. Prior to his collegiate career, Devine led Lewis Central High School to two state championships and two district titles. He was also named First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference, Defensive Player of the Year, and City Player of the Year in 2022.
Perron on Devine: "Will is a very strong addition to our goalkeeper room from one of the best programs in junior college, Iowa Western. He is springy, agile, and very brave, with good distribution to start our attack from deep build-up play. He's always played with a chip on his shoulder, which will serve him well when it comes to competing with Nash and Ben every day in training. He, too, has tremendous potential and will raise the standard here no doubt."
Alberto de Miguel
De Miguel joins the Chanticleers after spending time at Murray State, Cowley College, and West Texas FC of the NPSL. He has appeared in 19 collegiate matches, recording four goals and four assists. During his time with West Texas FC, De Miguel was named the Lone Star Conference MVP and earned the NPSL Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals in 10 matches.
Perron on de Miguel: "Alberto is a top junior college prospect from Cowley College, a semi-finalist in this year's JUCO championships. Alberto is extremely versatile and can play a variety of positions, though he feels most comfortable as a central attacking midfielder or forward. He brings a tremendous pedigree, hailing from Atletico Madrid's famed academy, and you can see the quality, passion, and skill every time he plays. He is a dangerous attacking talent that the Chant community will enjoy watching every week."
Zach Hult
A Hawthorn Woods, Ill., native, Hult joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Iowa Western. After missing the regular season due to injuries, Hult competed during the summer with Bavarian United Soccer Club, where he recorded 10 goals and four assists across 11 matches while helping the club reach the USL League Two playoffs. He also competed with Siouxland United FC in the NPSL, appearing in four matches and recording two assists while contributing to two clean sheets.
Perron on Hult: "Zach is a big-time addition from Iowa Western that we are working hard to bring back to full form, as he is an out-and-out goalscorer. A combination of instinct, power, and finishing ability allows him to constantly threaten the opposing defenses, while getting on the end of chances and creating spaces for our primary playmakers. We are so happy to have him and are pulling for him to get back to his very best."
Parker Jackson
A Houston, Texas, native, Jackson joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Portland, where he appeared in eight matches with two starts, recording five shots, including two on target, across 258 minutes of action. Prior to his collegiate career, Jackson attended Enlightium Academy and played club soccer for the Houston Dynamo, developing into one of the top prospects in the state and ranking No. 18 in Texas by TopDrawerSoccer during his high school career.
Perron on Jackson: "Parker is someone I've had a long history with, having recruited him during my days at Virginia and following his career at one of the best college soccer programs at the University of Portland. He is brave and confident on the ball, combining nimble footwork, agility, and balance to beat defenders and progress attacks. He makes great runs and is difficult for opposition teams to keep track of. He also covers a lot of ground in midfield and will work defensively to win balls back for his team. We are very excited to have Parker here."
Kaden Pollard
Pollard joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Kentucky. He appeared in 10 matches with four starts for the Wildcats and recorded a 1.000 shots-on-goal percentage. A four-star recruit, Pollard was ranked No. 14 nationally in the U14 age group by TopDrawerSoccer and ranked No. 1 in New York and No. 2 in New Jersey for multiple seasons.
Perron on Pollard: "Kaden is an exciting addition from the transfer portal who brings experience, poise, and pedigree to our program. Coming up through the NYCFC youth system and spending two years at a high-level Sun Belt program has helped him mature and develop his game to impact our team right away. He is extremely composed and displays a professional-level technical foundation coupled with game intelligence and elite vision. He is positionally versatile and plays with a chip on his shoulder. I couldn't be more excited to work with him for the next three years".
Daniel Fiol
Fiol, a native of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, developed with Atlético Baleares from U12 to U19, where he competed in Spain's División de Honor Juvenil against top academies including Barcelona, Girona, Mallorca, Real Zaragoza, Real Madrid, and Villarreal. He helped Atlético Baleares defeat Getafe in the second round of the 2021 Copa del Rey before joining Pafos FC for the 2022-23 season, where he contributed to a league championship and domestic cup title in Cyprus. Fiol then played for Poblense from 2023-25, helping the club capture the 3RFEF championship and earn promotion to 2RFEF, before joining Alzira for the 2025-26 season.
Perron on Fiol: "Dani is an experienced and talented holding midfield player from Mallorca, Spain who we anticipate to have a very strong impact within the team. He brings tremendous poise and composure on the ball and off the ball is tactically intelligent and calculated in his movements. He can break lines with his passing and open the game for us while helping us get out of pressure in key moments. We believe he will be one of the strongest midfield players in the Sun Belt Conference, and we are so excited to welcome him to Conway."
Hector Blanco
Blanco joins the Chanticleers from Vigo, Spain, after competing at the academy and semiprofessional levels. He began his career with Club Deportivo Lugo from 2018–19 before playing semiprofessionally for Real Valladolid from 2019–21 and Deportivo Alavés from 2021–24. Blanco also earned Best XI honors at the Spanish U19 National Championship.
Perron on Blanco: "Hector is a high-level Spanish player who hails from Vigo, Spain. He is a left-sided center back who will turn heads this fall with his decision-making, range of passing, presence, and overall leadership ability. He reads the game at a very high level. He will be instrumental within our backline this fall not only aiding in facilitating possession, but disrupting the opposition within their attacking principles. Hector chose Coastal over numerous other top programs and we are very excited to have him with us"
Isaac Busenze
Busenze joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from NC State, where he appeared in three matches, totaling 87 minutes of action while helping the team record clean sheets in all three appearances. Prior to his collegiate career, Busenze developed with Bethesda SC from 2019–25 and Barcelona USA MD from 2014–19. He helped lead Bethesda SC to MLS NEXT Flex Championships in 2023 and 2024 and was named an MLS NEXT Flex Player to Watch in 2023. Busenze also led Maryland High School to the 2021 Regional Championship title and was a three-time Maryland State Futsal Champion.
Perron on Busenze: "Zeek is a really subtle yet strong addition to this recruiting class. He has a great family pedigree in world football, with both his father and grandfather representing the Ugandan national team. His versatility is exceptional, being able to operate as a fullback, wingback, or central midfielder depending on the system we choose to utilize. He is a mobile and quick athlete who can accelerate away from pressure on the ball or close down potential threats within the defensive phase. He is very tidy in combination and will surprise opposition teams with his ability to find forward passes under pressure. We are thrilled to welcome Zeek to Conway."
Jackson Kelley
A native of Savannah, Ga., Kelley joins Coastal after a standout MLS NEXT career with IMG Academy. He spent six seasons with Tormenta FC from 2014–19 before serving as captain for IMG Academy's U14, U15, U16 and U19 MLS NEXT teams. Kelley also attended U.S. Youth National Team camps in 2022 and 2023 and helped IMG Academy win the MLS NEXT Florida Division title and its first MLS NEXT Homegrown playoff match in 2026.
Perron on Kelley: "Over the years, IMG has produced some really fantastic college players, and surely Jackson will one day be added to that list. He is tough as nails when it comes to his defensive mentality and ball-winning ability. On the ball, he is able to effectively read the picture in front of him and make calculated decisions to keep the tempo of the game. He is very versatile positionally and has leadership traits built into his character. I know he will come in here and raise our level with his desire and intensity and is exactly the type of individual a winning team needs within the locker room. I look forward to seeing Jackson grow within this program."
Pearse O'Brien
A native of West Hartford, Conn., O'Brien joins Coastal Carolina as a transfer from Providence. During his time with the Friars, he appeared in 46 matches with 34 starts, totaling 3,081 minutes of action while recording four goals and 17 assists. O'Brien was named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team twice and earned BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors.
Perron on O'Brien: "In our opinion, Pearse is one of the top prospects to appear on the transfer portal this offseason, and we are thrilled to have him a part of our team. He is a dynamic and versatile playmaker who can impact games in a variety of ways. He can beat pressure on the turn or with a dribble, has the vision for the final pass and technical qualities to execute it at a high level. Pearse will contribute goals with his long-range ball striking ability and attacking instincts. He is a committed young pro with his mentality and discipline towards his craft and will be a great role model within the community."
Mateo Caride
Caride joins the Chanticleers as a transfer from Maryland. During his time with the Terrapins, he appeared in 10 matches, totaling 255 minutes of action while recording one goal. Prior to his collegiate career, Caride competed for Vaughan SC and St. Ignatius of Loyola High School. He helped guide Vaughan SC to the 2024 League 1 Cup Championship and was a member of two U-20 championship-winning teams. Caride also led St. Ignatius of Loyola to championships in 2022 and 2024 while earning Halton Region Most Valuable Player honors in 2024 after being named Young Player of the Year in 2022.
Perron on Caride: "The Argentine is a very sneaky prospect we grabbed in the spring transfer window from one of the best college soccer programs in the country. He is an out-and-out nine with a diverse skillset. He can hold up the ball and bring our team into attack; he can provide incisive and insightful passes to supporting teammates utilizing his vision and awareness. His off-the-ball movements are crafty and well-timed, and most importantly, against the ball he is willing to run, press, and defend, which sets the tone for our defensive intentions. We have high expectations for Mateo, and are excited for what he will bring to this program."
Joe Wilcock
Wilcock comes to Coastal from Lancashire, England. He won the 2022 U14 Lancashire Cup with Holy Cross High School while also competing in the Manchester United academy from 2011–22. He continued his development with Burnley from 2022–26, helping the club win the 2025 league title.
Perron on Wilcock: "Joe was a very late grab for us, having committed him in the summer months, and is a massive addition to our side. Joe has been in two of the top academies in England, competing for Manchester United up until he was 14 and moving into Burnley's youth setup until this spring. He is a crafty and technical left-sided player, composed in tight areas, and has the ability to utilize various tools on the dribble or in combination to navigate pressure. Joe also plays with a chip on his shoulder and possesses tremendous intangibles that lead to winning. We are excited to get Joe here to Conway."
Alvin Depina
Depina joins the Chanticleers from Boston, Mass., after competing in the MLS NEXT ranks with two clubs. He played for the New England Revolution Academy from 2021–24, qualifying for MLS NEXT Flex in each season and helping the Revolution reach the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in 2022 and 2023. He continued his development with Intercontinental Football Academy (IFA) from 2024–26, helping the club qualify for MLS NEXT Flex and advance to the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in 2026.
Perron on Depina: "Alvin is a young prospect who we are very high on. He has a great mentality and is very consistent in his approach to the game. Hailing from two top clubs in the Northeast, the New England Revolution and IFA, he can adapt and thrive quickly within our high-level environment. He is aggressive and scrappy in his duels, possesses a strong work rate and is willing to cover ground to support the attack or track dangerous runs against the ball. He also possesses skill and ideas within the possession and approach phases of play. We are so happy to have Alvin a part of the Coastal Family."
Parker Sturgis
Sturgis joins the Chanticleers from Las Vegas, Nev., after developing through the MLS NEXT pathway. He began his youth career with Albion SC from 2021–23 before earning academy trials with the Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew. Sturgis ultimately joined the Colorado Rapids Academy, where he played from 2023–26, helping lead the club to the 2025 MLS NEXT Generation Adidas Cup Final while also contributing to back-to-back league runner-up finishes in 2025 and 2026.
Perron on Sturgis: "Parker, much like many other of the recruits in this class, was very under the radar in my opinion coming out of a strong Colorado Rapids youth organization. We are very happy he chose to be a Chanticleer. He possesses massive upside as a central defender with a great frame and solid physical tools to build from. He reads the game well positionally and has the recovery speed and quickness to deal with threatening opposition attackers. On the ball he is calm and composed, making simple decisions to solve the pictures in front of him. Parker is extremely likeable, has great character, and will be a strong player for us over the course of his tenure in Conway."
Patrick Kolano
Kolano joins Coastal from Old Bridge, N.J., after developing through the MLS NEXT pathway. He spent four seasons with the New York Red Bulls from 2019–23, helping the club capture the 2022 Patterson Cup. Kolano continued his development at the MLS NEXT Players Development Academy in New Jersey from 2023–26 before arriving in Conway.
Perron on Kolano: "Patrick is a very uncommon prospect that I believe will have a big impact in college soccer very soon. I watched and recruited him during my time at Virginia and believe he is a premier left center back prospect on the East Coast. He is very comfortable on the ball and can demonstrate a strong range of passing and ball-carrying ability to penetrate opposition lines. Defensively, he is smart in his positional play while also being aggressive and physical. I know he will adjust to the rigors of college soccer very quickly, and I am looking forward to seeing his growth, development, and impact here over his time."
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