West Virginia University has unveiled its 2026 men’s soccer signing class, bringing in fifteen new student‑athletes who will join the Mountaineers program next fall. The roster blends seasoned transfers with promising freshmen, each expected to contribute across defensive, midfield, and attacking positions.
A Global Roster
The class showcases a truly international flavor, with players hailing from Singapore, Spain, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and multiple U.S. states. This geographic diversity reflects the program’s expanding reach and the appeal of WVU’s academic and athletic environment to prospects worldwide.
Several newcomers arrive via transfer, including defenders who have logged substantial collegiate minutes and forwards who have excelled in youth academies across Europe. Their experiences in competitive leagues abroad are expected to raise the overall tempo of practice and match play.
Spotlight on Key Additions
Ryan Birtwistle, a defender from Singapore, joins after stints with Wacker Burghausen in Germany’s fourth tier and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ youth setup, bringing a blend of defensive discipline and technical skill. Christian Blank, a defender from Holbrook, New York, transfers from LIU where he started 19 games and contributed two goals, adding depth to the back line.
Mark Chust, a defender from Valencia, Spain, arrives from UD Alzira but will sit out the 2026 campaign due to recovery from knee surgery, a setback that could see him return stronger in subsequent seasons. Aurélien Cormier, a defender from Quimper, France, comes from the French fifth tier and youth squads, offering tactical versatility.
Civan De Jesus Ferreira, a defender from Berlin, Germany, transferred from Loyola Marymount, having started 14 of 16 appearances and scored two goals, a record that signals his readiness for higher competition. Joshua Dudock, a forward from Hamburg, Germany, arrives from Bremer SV where he netted 11 goals in 32 Regionalliga Nord matches, promising a potent attacking option.
Local and Regional Talent
Domestic recruits round out the class with standout talents from the Mid‑Atlantic region. Grafton Kahl, a defender from Glen Allen, Virginia, joins as a freshman from Richmond United Academy, while Michael Marino, a defender from Neshanic Station, New Jersey, comes from MLS Next TSF Academy and earned All‑State honors.
Julen Recalde, a forward from San Sebastián, Spain, transfers from WVU Tech, where he was named River States Conference Male Athlete of the Year and NAIA First‑Team All‑American, bringing a proven scoring record. Jacob Redenfors, a defender from Vargberg, Sweden, arrives from the University of Pittsburgh after competing in Sweden’s third tier, adding international defensive experience.
In goal, Kendall Starks, a goalkeeper from Crown Point, Indiana, most recently played for Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS Next Pro and was recognized as the Generation Adidas Cup Goalkeeper of the Tournament, offering a high‑level presence between the posts. Forward Lucas White, a freshman from Kensington, Maryland, joins from Walter Johnson High School and Bethesda SC, expected to develop his game under the program’s coaching staff.