SASKATOON, Sask. - Nine new student-athletes are set to don the green and white of the Huskies as the USask men's soccer team welcomes it's 2024 recruiting class. The group features three forwards, three defenders, two goalkeepers, and a midfielder with five players joining the program by way of transfer and four entering as rookies. With talent throughout the class
"This recruiting class will serve us well both this year with the immediate impact they will have but also for the coming years as they develop into Canada West players," said head coach Bryce Chapman. "All of our recruits bring a great academic standard and are excited to be Huskies which was a big priority when looking to fill the gaps."
"Two key additions are Malcolm Rektor who comes to us from SAIT, Malcolm has already made an impact in our midfield, has shown his maturity from playing the last 3 years in college and now making the jump to Canada West. The other is George Arnold who has arrived from Oxford, UK where he completed his undergrad at Durham University and now is heading into his Masters Program here at USask. George brings a soccer background and leadership that we have been looking for in goal, we are excited to see him grow into our program."
The Huskies make the 2024 debut on Saturday, August 24 on their road before opening their home schedule on Friday, August 30 against the Alberta Golden Bears.
"I'm excited to carry on my education at Saskatchewan and to try and help this team improve. I have had some really positive interactions on my way to joining the Huskies and am looking forward to playing in a system which is trying to play football instead of longball. The goal this season is to be better than the year before and to sit down in a few months from say you've improved."
- George Arnold
"I'm thrilled to join this program and come in with a really strong group of new guys. I'm confident that with this team, we'll have a strong season and work towards our goal of a playoff appearance. Personally, I'm hoping to have a strong season and make a real impact in the midfield."
- Malcolm Rektor
“The Huskies have exactly what I was looking for in a soccer program, great facilities, the right coach, and a team with players who I want to play with and win with. I'm very excited to join this group and put in some quality minutes.”
- Kiran Baker
"What drove me to join the Huskies was Coach Chapman's commitment to winning and the familiarity I have with many of my new teammates. I grew up playing with many of these guys so I'm excited to play with old friends and new ones. We want to win Canada West, and my goal for the season is to go out and do my best to help us do just that."
- Ilyich Gharahmadani
"I felt like I needed to play here and play for the Huskies, I didn't even think about other schools. After getting hurt and not thinking about soccer for a while I realized I put in too much work to stop playing and rekindled my passion for the game. That makes this season mean more than just soccer. I'm eligible as a rookie so I'm looking to standout in the conference and help this team to a playoff run and the ultimate goal of a Canada West championship. We have a really talented roster that just needs to click, and so far we have had great cohesion as a group."
- Ryan Ko
"I'm excited to get back to competitive play, back in athletics, and to help this team achieve our goal of winning after not playing for a while. The Huskies offer a great opportunity for me to improve as a player and to really learn and grow in my rookie season."
- Emmett McGillivray
"I'm excited to join a great group of guys and a fantastic environment. This team's main goal is to improve from last season and I'm going help us achieve that goal by doing my job and trying to improve every day."
- Makariy Pryadko
"The energy and connection in this team is fantastic, and the system we're playing in is something I've really enjoyed. I'm confident this group will continue to improve and that we will see those results on the field. I'm very excited for the season ahead."
- Anton Slisko
"Being from Saskatoon it's very exciting having the opportunity to play for the hometown team. I can't wait to get out there and show my impact while still working to improve as a player and earn minutes."
- Besu Tsedeke
