The University of Maryland, Baltimore County Retrievers are set to welcome a 15‑player contingent for the 2026‑27 men’s soccer season, a mix of eight transfers and seven freshmen aimed at bolstering the squad ahead of its season‑opening clash with UNC Wilmington.
A roster built for depth and versatility
Coach Anthony Adams and his staff — Pete Caringi III, Bill Kerr and Quantrell Jones — have assembled a group that blends proven collegiate experience with promising youth, each player expected to contribute both on and off the pitch.
Between the posts, junior goalkeeper Joe Pollard arrives from Tyler College, where he posted a 24‑1‑1 record and earned NJCAA All‑America honors, bringing a winning pedigree to the Retrievers’ defense.
Defender Jayson Bentum, a sophomore transfer from St. Joseph’s University, adds a championship pedigree after capturing New Jersey State Prep titles and national crowns during his high school career.
Midfielder Alberto Galicia, a graduate student from UD Sanse B in Spain, brings five years of leadership as team captain and a deep tactical understanding from European competition.
Up front, graduate forward Tancredi Fadda, who previously starred for the University of Milan and scored a decisive game‑winner for Evansville, is expected to add offensive spark after a productive stint in Italy.
Junior forward Abdul Kamara, who logged over 600 minutes at George Mason University and netted three goals, offers pace and work rate acquired during his time in the Atlantic 10 conference.
Abdi Bahur, another junior forward, represents Somalia internationally, having featured in the African Cup of Nations and bringing a global perspective to the attack.
Lance Talley, a junior forward from Daytona State College, captained his side to the NJCAA Men’s Soccer Championship in 2025, underscoring his clutch performances in high‑stakes matches.
Moritz Krug, a graduate midfielder from Germany, accumulated 103 appearances for SV Adler Weidenhausen and contributed four goals, experience that should translate into midfield stability.
Freshman defender Nico Banks, a product of the DC United Academy and the Bethesda Soccer Club, joins from an athletic family background that includes collegiate football, promising a strong defensive foundation.
Langston Fabiyi, a freshman forward from Alexandria Reds, recently tested himself against top Ghanaian opponents in the National Premier Soccer League, highlighting his adaptability on the international stage.
Jared Middleton, a freshman defender from Sydney FC II in Australia, appeared in 22 matches and reached the U‑19 runner‑up spot in Germany, indicating a readiness for higher competition.
Flynn Holdem, a freshman forward from New Zealand’s Nomads United, scored 33 goals in 58 appearances and was named the club’s Player of the Year, bringing a prolific scoring record to the Retrievers.
Jack Reilly, a freshman winger from Maryland United, helped the club capture its first ECNL championship in 2025‑26, adding a championship‑mindset to the incoming class.
Enzo Sosa, a freshman forward from Rockville, Maryland, earned All‑WCAC honors while playing for Baltimore Armour, a local club that has developed several regional talents.
Kofi Koumi, a freshman goalkeeper from Seneca Valley High School in Maryland, reached the APL Finals twice with his youth teams, suggesting a bright future between the posts.
Coaching vision and expectations
Head coach Anthony Adams emphasized that the new class embodies the program’s high character and rigorous standards, noting that each recruit has demonstrated commitment both athletically and academically.
Assistant coaches Caringi, Kerr and Jones highlighted the strategic fit of the newcomers, pointing to the blend of defensive solidity, midfield creativity and attacking versatility that should diversify the team’s tactical options.
The coaching staff also underscored the importance of integrating these players into the existing culture, aiming for a seamless transition as the Retrievers prepare for a demanding schedule that includes the match against UNC Wilmington and beyond.