HARROGATE, Tenn. – Lincoln Memorial University head men's soccer coach
Helio D'Anna has announced the signing of nine student-athletes for the 2018 campaign. Virtually every position on the field is represented in the nine-man recruiting class as it includes four midfielders, two defenders, two forwards and a goalkeeper.
The Railsplitters finished the 2017 season with a 10-5-3 overall record and a 4-3-3 mark in South Atlantic Conference play. Lincoln Memorial notched three wins over ranked opponents including a 2-0 triumph over No. 5 Lenoir-Rhyne, a 2-1 overtime win against No. 11 Young Harris and a 3-2 victory at No. 12 Lees-McRae. The Railsplitters also made their first trip back to the NCAA tournament since 2007.
Guilherme Soares – 5-10 left back from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Soares is a graduate transfer from St. Andrews University who started all 16 matches for the Knights last season and compiled a goal and nine assists over that span. He is the son of Joelson Soares and Rosa Prista, and will pursue a Master of Business Administration.
"Guilherme is exactly what we need for the left back position," D'Anna said. "He has a sweet left foot, can support and defend, cross and finish. He is also a leader on and off the field."
Jackson Jalovec – 6-3 goalkeeper from Cincinnati, Ohio
Jalovec attended Oak Hills High School, where he was an Academic All-State recipient, an All-Conference honoree and a team captain. He played club soccer for Cincinnati United Premier. The son of Christian and Maribeth Jalovec, he intends on pursuing a degree in finance.
"Jackson is obviously a big guy but gets down well and handles crosses greatly, too," D'Anna said. "He has very good overall goalkeeping skills. He should make an immediate impact."
Alan Brandao – 6-1 center back from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brandao is a transfer from Cloud County Community College, where he was twice tabbed with NJCAA All-Region VI first team honors. He also helped lead the T-Birds to a 14-3 overall record during the 2017 season. The son of Antonio Ferreira Brandao and Maria do Carmo da Silva Brandao, he is a business major.
"Alan is extremely strong and experienced," D'Anna said. "He has experienced tremendous success at the JUCO level. He is excellent in the air and passing from the back."
Julio Neto – 5-8 winger forward from Jaboatao Dos Guararapes, Brazil
Neto is a transfer from Barton Community College, where he was an All-Conference, All-Region and Academic All-American selection. The son of Julio de Araujo and Helena Borba, Neto will pursue a degree in business.
"Julio is quick and skilled and does a tremendous job on the wings," D'Anna said. "He is capable of playing as forward as well as full back and will be able to score as well as assist with consistency."
Lucas da Fonseca – 6-0 center midfielder from Sao Joao del Rei, Brazil
A graduate of Colegio Revisao and Escola Estadual Doutor Garcia de Lima in Brazil, Fonseca is the son of Maria Ines Rubinich and Gilberto da Fonseca. He plans on pursuing a degree in sports management.
"Lucas has the total package to play in the middle," said D'Anna. "His passing skills and defensive attributes are just as strong as his playmaking skills and even ability to finish. Being left footed is also a huge plus."
Ueslei Silva – 5-11 winger forward from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Silva is a transfer from Trinidad State Junior College and the son of Edson Vicente Da Silva and Michelle Marques Ribeiro Silva. He will pursue a degree in exercise science while at Lincoln Memorial.
"Ueslei is extremely crafty and a constant threat on offense," D'Anna said. "He will cause havoc on wing play and will generate tons of scoring opportunities."
Robel Tadesse – 5-9 midfielder from Verdal, Norway
Tadesse played club soccer for Levanger FK and is the son of Yalemwork Birru Mekonen. He will pursue a degree in business.
"Robel is a high energy multi position player who can cover the entire field tirelessly," D'Anna said. "He is also skilled and creative and will help the team in so many ways."
Edwin Vaas – 6-2 midfielder from Weert, The Netherlands
Vaas played club soccer for Wilhelmina '08 and is the son of Jan Vaas and José Vaas-Wolter. He will pursue a Master of Business Administration.
"Edwin is a prolific goal scorer," D'Anna said. "He takes great free kicks and is lethal on long distance shots. He is also a good target on set plays. He will add a new dimension to our midfield."
Matteo Bufalo – 6-1 midfielder from Fano, Italy
Bufalo is a transfer from Urbino University and the son of Michele Bufalo and Carla Nobilini. He will pursue a Master of Business Administration.
"Matteo is a powerful forward and an explosive player," said D'Anna. "He is strong, good in the air, and takes defenders on. He will be something to watch."
