Skidmore College has announced the arrival of twelve student‑athletes who will join the men's soccer program for the 2026 season, a cohort that promises to reshape the team's dynamics and elevate its competitive edge.
Among the newcomers, Dante Fierro stands out as a goalkeeper whose résumé includes participation in high‑stakes tournaments and a 2024 state championship, bringing both composure between the posts and a winning mindset.
Defensively, Jacob Towvim arrives as a natural leader and center‑back who captained Valeo SC in the MLS NEXT league, while Luke Dougherty offers explosive left‑back capabilities and James Black provides a physically imposing presence on the flanks, each poised to fortify the back line.
Midfield mastery and tactical flexibility
The midfield will be bolstered by Nathan Gritzmacher, whose tenacity in tackles and knack for transitioning play have been honed at ECNL Florida and Loomis Chaffee, alongside Karim Valdés‑Habib, a smooth central midfielder praised for defensive reading and press resistance, and Landon van Buren, a versatile center‑midfielder whose athleticism and technical skill make him a linchpin in Skidmore's buildup.
Attacking options are equally compelling: Keegan Maxwell, a clinical striker from Boston Bolts known for carving out goal‑scoring chances after watching Skidmore's match against WPI, joins forces with Matias Sampedro, whose creativity earned him a place in the MLS NEXT Cup quarterfinals and Nike Toma finals, and Keane Murphy, a dynamic forward whose explosive runs have drawn praise from his network at FSA and Hartford Athletic.
Beyond sheer skill, the class is marked by leadership and versatility; Aidan Chin, a technically gifted player from Seacoast United MLS NEXT who also serves as president of his high school surf club, exemplifies the blend of athletic and extracurricular drive that the coaching staff values.
Together, these twelve athletes represent a strategic infusion of talent across every defensive and offensive sector, setting the stage for Skidmore's men's soccer program to pursue greater ambitions on the national stage.