A New Era for Marquette Soccer
Coach David Korn announced the completion of Marquette University's 2026 men's soccer signing class, a group that will add fifteen student‑athletes to the roster for the upcoming campaign. The class comprises eleven incoming freshmen and four transfers, each selected for their potential to elevate the team's competitiveness.
Korn emphasized the strategic intent behind the recruitment, noting that the new arrivals come from a wide array of competitive environments across North America and Europe. Their diverse backgrounds are expected to enrich the squad's tactical flexibility and depth.
Early Enrollees Join the Program
Four members of the class — Rio Pehar, Peyton Hoard, Edvard Liljedahl and Viktor Engh — were already on campus during the spring semester. Their early integration gave them a head start in acclimating to the university's academic and athletic demands.
Pehar, who spent seven years with Chicago FC United, brings a wealth of experience from the Midwest's elite youth circuit. Hoard, a Wisconsin state champion from Union Grove High School, arrives with a reputation for leadership and defensive solidity. Liljedahl, a Sweden U‑16 international, developed through Djurgården's respected academy, while Engh adds two seasons of collegiate play from UNC Wilmington.
The remaining eleven signings hail from a spectrum of elite development pathways. Tomiwa Adewumi emerges from Sporting Kansas City's academy and made his MLS NEXT Pro debut in February 2026, showcasing his ability to compete at a professional level while still a teenager. Dominic Firs, a key contributor to Sockers FC's National Academy Championship, offers versatility in attacking positions.
Aiden Goldberg, who recorded eleven goals and nineteen assists for Sockers FC during the 2025‑26 season, is expected to bolster the Golden Eagles' offensive creativity. Enkido Hackaa, a recent recruit from Swedish side Assyriska FF, brings experience from one of Scandinavia's established player‑development environments.
Chidube Nwankwo, a product of the St. Louis CITY SC academy, adds another dynamic attacking option to the front line. Will Slawinski, a multiple‑time All‑Great Lakes Region honoree, arrives with ECNL Selection Game accolades and first‑team all‑conference recognition. Gabe Watkins, a graduate of FC Dallas Academy, joins a program known for producing top‑tier talent.
Other notable additions include Emilio Maldonado Frei, who appeared in ten matches for FIU in his freshman season, and Felix Masson, a 2025 standout at Louisville. David Siemionko, transferring from Loyola Chicago after a stint with FC United, rounds out a class that blends youthful promise with seasoned college experience.
Coach Korn expressed confidence that the new class aligns with the program's long‑term vision, stating that the mix of fresh talent and transfer experience will enhance competitiveness both on and off the pitch. The coaching staff looks forward to integrating these players into the existing framework and anticipates a strong impact during the upcoming season.