Fresh off four consecutive 11-plus win seasons and five championship appearances in seven years, the Saint Francis men's soccer team continues to bring in top level talent as head coach Paulo Neto has added six signings for the 2017 fall season.
 
"I'm very excited about this group both as quality soccer players and good students," said Neto. This is our second recruiting class at SFU and I believe it to be as good as our first one. Our last class was able to make an immediate impact, with some individuals claiming starting positions from the get-go. In this class, each player brings something special to our mix, and collectively, they are a good fit for what our program needs at this point. We are confident they will develop even more in the conducive environment we've built for SFU men's soccer, and will help us maintain the winning culture our program has earned over the years".
 
The class consists of five top prep freshmen and a grad transfer from the University of Kentucky. Two of the six players hail from the state of Pennsylvania, while the class consists of four defenders and two midfielders.
 

6-2 155 lbs. Defender Kaelon Fox (Louisville, KY/St. Xavier (Kentucky)) (Louisville, Ky. / St. Xavier / Univ. of Kentucky)
 
Neto lands a big-time player with plenty of experience at the collegiate level in Fox. In his three seasons with the Wildcats, Fox netted five goals in 48 career appearances from his center back position. An ODP State Team selection in high school who led his club team, Javanon, to three state title appearances, Fox earned All-District, Region, Catholic, State and "Mr. Soccer" honors in the state of Kentucky. He was awarded All-American honors by the NSCAA and named the NSCAA Player of the Year honors.
 
Neto on Fox – "Kaelon is a transfer from the University of Kentucky who joined our program this spring as a graduate student. We've been one of the top defensive units in the region in the last few years, and Kaelon's experience will be invaluable to help us maintain the level of play. In my book, he's the full package as a center back. He stands out with his size and athleticism, ability to distribute the ball, shut down attackers, and provide leadership and communication. On top of that, Kaelon has a great personality and sense of humor, which brings positive energy to our locker room." 
 

5-11 175 lbs. Midfield Christian Kirchhoff (Aarhaus, Denmark) (Aarhus, Denmark/Hobro IK)
 
Kirchhoff comes from high pedigree as he played for the Hobro IK U-19th youth team, a first division professional club in Denmark. He also has playing experience with the Danish Youth National Team. Kirchhoff thrived at Hobro IK, scoring 21 goals in 50 games.
 
Neto on Kirchoff – "Christian is a versatile attacking player who has the potential to have an immediate impact in our team and in the conference. Christian joined our program this spring. He has experiences playing in the youth national teams in Denmark. He's a wide midfielder who can also play as an attacking midfielder or striker. He's a great dribbler, aggressive in running at defenders and can attack goal. He also has a fantastic work ethic and a great personality."
 
 
6-0 175 lbs. Midfield Kevin Smolyn (Holland, Pa./Germantown Academy)
 
Smolyn was recognized by TopDrawer soccer as a top 11 player in the region for the 2015-16 season. He starred for Continental FC Delco Academy and coach Johnny Rhodes and is the brother of CJ, a freshman on the men's soccer team.
 
Neto on Smolyn -  "Kevin is a center midfielder with great vision and the ability to distribute the ball. He's also very strong defensively with great understanding of the defensive principles. He will also be athletic enough to withstand the physicality of the collegiate game from day one. His experience playing in the USSDA system for the last few years will help him have a quick adjustment to a higher level of play.  He will add depth to an already deep midfield unit."
 
 
6-0 175 lbs. Defender Brandon Ott (Spring City, Pa./Owen J. Roberts)
 
Ott was an Eastern PA ODP team member from 2014-17 and a Region One ODP selection in 2016-17. He played club for Penn Fusion Elite '99, helping the team to a No. 3 ranking in the state in 2016-17. Ott led Owen J. Roberts High School to a PAC-10 Conference Championship in 2014 and a runner-up finish in 2015. A four-year letterwinner and three-time all-conference selection, Ott finished his career with 36 goal and 13 assists. He was named to the Pac 10 All-Academic Team in 2016.
 
Neto on Ott – "Brandon is a left-footed center back who has the potential to lead our defense in future years. He has the courage and ability to play out of the back with precision. He's also a solid defender in 1 v 1 situations and is effective in the aerial game. His experience playing in the ODP Region I Team the last couple years, including competition against European clubs, will certainly help him have a smoother transition to the collegiate level. "
 
 
5-8 140 lbs. Defender Filip Burnett (Germantown, Md./Poolesville)
 
Burnett starred for Pipeline Soccer Club, the 2016 National Champions and No. 1 ranked team in the state of Maryland, where he scored five goals and added 15 assists. He was a four-year letterwinner at Poolesville High School and the team MVP as a junior after leading the Falcons in goals and assists.
 
Neto on Burnett – "Filip is a right fullback who possesses the characteristics we desire for players in that position. He's a solid defender, very sound playing out of the back, and extremely comfortable getting forward and making plays in the attacking third. He's been playing club soccer at a very high level, competing in the US Youth Soccer National League, which is one of the highest levels one can play at his age group"
 
 
5-7 150 lbs. Defender Zach Bodgett (Orchard Park, N.Y./Orchard Park)
 
Blodgett enjoyed a nice high school career for Orchard Park with 26 career goals and 33 career assists. A recipient of the Coaches' Award, he also earned Western New York All-Star accolades as well as All-Bee First Team All-Conference honors.
 
Neto on Blodgett – "Zach is an extremely explosive fullback down the flanks with great left-footed service. Much like Filip Burnett, he has the attributes we look for in a fullback. He also is a player full of energy and confidence, and we are positive those intangibles will help him become an elite collegiate player in the future."