Western Illinois men’s soccer unveils 2020 recruiting class

MACOMB, Ill. – The all-time winningest men’s soccer coach in Summit League history, Dr. Eric Johnson, has announced Western Illinois University’s 2020 recruiting class.

“We are excited about this incoming class,” said Johnson. “I am confident that they will fit in with our returning group and help us win games and continue the program’s academic success.”

The nine freshmen that makeup the class are Jesse Agyekum, Wail Algahim, Gavin Benson, Alex Flowers, Damian Rincon, Mekhi Royes, Muazu Sagir, Blaise Snabes, and Kory Soulinthavong.

Jesse Agyekum | Freshman Midfielder | Romeoville, Ill. | Romeoville High School 

HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Romeoville… member of the varsity soccer and track teams.

Wail Algahim | Freshman Midfielder | Hamtramck, Mich. | Frontier Intl. Academy

HIGH SCHOOL: Played soccer at Frontier Intl. Academy… kicker for football team… member of the National Honor Society.

Gavin Benson | Freshman Forward | Waynesburg, P.A. | Waynesburg Central High School 

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned four varsity letters in soccer… one in football… a four-time All-WIPAL and All-Section (2016-19)… was two-time Section Player of the Year… set the record for goals in school history with 106… scored 29 in freshman year.

Alex Flowers | Freshman Goalkeeper | Schaumburg, Ill. | Schaumburg High School 

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Sockers FC Chicago… member of the golf and basketball team… had a career-high 19 saves in a game.

Damian Rincon | Freshman Midfielder | Lansing, Ill. | Mount Carmel High School 

HIGH SCHOOL: In two seasons scored 31 goals and had 33 assists… named IHSA All-Sectional and Conference in 2019… was a 2018 IHSA All-State Watch List… back-to-back Go For The Goal Classic Champions (2018-19)… helped team win the 2018 regional and sectional championships… reunites with former teammate Cesar Cosio.

Mekhi Royes | Freshman Defender | Lawrenceville. Ga. | Greater Atlanta Christian High School  

HIGH SCHOOL: Coached by Thom Jacquet… played at United Futbol Academy… member of both soccer and basketball teams at Atlanta Christian.

Muazu Sagir | Freshman Forward | Alpharetta, Ga. | Alpharetta High School 

HIGH SCHOOL: Received two varsity letters in soccer…served as captain… played for coach Alejandro Romero… back-to-back offensive Player of the Year (2018-19)… All-Region Honorable Mention in 2019… owned record for goals and assists in 2020 season… named a student-scholar.

Blaise Snabes | Freshman Forward | Charlevoix, Mich. | Charlevoix High School 

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned four varsity letters in soccer… a Second Team All-State selection in 2017 and Third Team in 2018… named Honorable Mention All-State in 2019… three-time All-Area, District and Conference honoree (2017-19)… second all-time in school history in goals with 79… received varsity letters in football, basketball, golf, cross country, and track and field… Academic All-State in football (2019) and twice cross country (2018-19).

Kory Soulinthavong | Freshman Midfielder | Mustang, Okla. | Mustang High School 

HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year varsity starter… served as captain… assist leader in 2018-19… kicked for the football team.