Drexel University Athletics
Photo by: Greg Carroccio
Men's Soccer Announces Eight for 2014 Incoming Class
3/12/2014 10:16:00 AM | Men's Soccer
PHILADELPHIA - The Drexel men's soccer team announced commitments from eight incoming student-athletes for the 2014 fall season. Head coach Doug Hess, who has guided the Dragons to back-to-back regular season Colonial Athletic Association titles, a CAA Tournament championship and two NCAA appearances, has a sizeable class coming in to University City to help keep the Dragons at the top of the table in the CAA.
Erik Alexandersson, Noah Blodget, Dakota Peterson, Joseph Rodriguez, brothers Aaron and Tristan Thompson, Bayley Winkel and Sander Yu comprise the incoming class of 2014, a wide-ranging class with representatives from Sweden, Canada, Colorado and California in addition to several from the local area.
"My staff and I worked hard at this incoming class, as it covers a wide range of players coming from a large geographic radius," Hess commented. "I know the quality that is in this group and am looking forward to their arrival this August. It is not only a strong talent pool of players, but also a group with both high commitment and strong character. It will be a fun group to watch and participate in their development over the coming years."
Hess on Alexandersson: "Erik is a box-to-box type midfielder that keeps the game simple and makes good decisions with the ball. His strong technique, ability to break up play and tireless work ethic will allow him to transition into a holding-type midfield player as well."
Erik Alexandersson comes the furthest to arrive at Drexel. A native of Gothenburg, Sweden, Alexandersson played three years of soccer at Katrinelundsgymnasiet, leading the school to a regional championship in 2011.
Alexandersson was also a member of IFK Bjorko and Torslanda IK club teams. With Bjorko, he was named the team's Midfielder of the Year in 2011. He then moved onto Torslanda, where he helped them to the final 16 in the Swedish Cup in each of the last two seasons.
Alexandersson earned a position in the Swedish national team program as a member of his regional team from 2010-12. The son of Helen and Lars-Erik Alexandersson, Erik intends to enter the sport management program.
Hess on Blodget: "Noah is a steady outside back with a strong left foot. He is a cerebral player that possesses a good eye for reading the game and good ability to pass out of the back."
Noah Blodget is staying close to home by committing to Drexel. The native of Wynnewood currently plays club soccer with the Pennsylvania Classics USSF Academy. In 2012-13, he helped the U-16 Classics team to the national playoffs. He also spent time with the FC Delco and Lower Merion club teams, earning captainships with both.
Prior to his involvement with the academy set-up, Blodget played high school soccer for local Lower Merion High school where he was a two-year letterwiner as a midfielder and defender. He helped his team to a district championship in 2010-11, leading them to the Pennsylvania state quarterfinals. As a sophomore, Blodget led the team in games played and minutes played, and helped them to the league championship game.
The son of Danielle and Kyle Blodget, Noah intends to major in mechanical engineering.
Hess on Peterson: "Kota is a solid two-way midfielder that possess quality in both feet along with a solid passing ability. He is soccer-savvy and has a great brain for the game. Kota has huge desire and competitiveness that will allow him to succeed as he progresses. "
Dakota Peterson comes to the Dragons from Denver, where he attended East High School and started on the varsity soccer program as both a freshman and sophomore. In his sophomore season, Peterson helped East to a Colorado State 5A championship.
After his sophomore season, Peterson left his high school team to focus on club soccer, playing with the Colorado Rapids Academy from 2011-14. Twice, Peterson earned a spot on the Generation Adidas Team, playing in Madrid and Brazil in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, Peterson has been called into four National Training centers for the USSF Academy.
The son of Bernadette Buck and Joel Peterson, Dakota is undecided on a major.
Hess on Rodriguez: "Joey has a solid left foot that allows him to provide quality service and a strong ball striking ability. Additionally, Joey experienced a good taste of top-soccer at an early age through his youth national team experiences. He is a soccer-junkie that brings some personality to the game."
Joseph Rodriguez arrives at Drexel from Montclair, N.J. A graduate of Montclair High, Rodriguez spent three years on the varsity soccer team there, missing his junior season to play with Matchfit Chelsea USSF Academy. At Montclair, Rodriguez earned both the Freshman and Sophomore of the Year awards in Essex County, and was an All-State honorable mention performer as a freshman. He followed that up with two All-State recognitions in his sophomore and senior seasons. Rodriguez led Montclair to a county title last year, and was a Regional All-American.
With Matchfit Academy and the SDFC Gauchos club program, Rodriguez spent a total of nine years. He earned a spot on his ODP state and regional teams, and was a member of the U15 national squad, as well as the U17 national pool.
The son of Ana and Paul Rodriguez, Joseph intends to major in business.
Hess on A. Thompson: "Aaron is another solid lefty, attacking player. He has good ideas in possession, as well as a knack for getting in good spots off the ball. Additionally, he has two years of a collegiate training environment that will help in his transition to Drexel."
Aaron Thompson will head across the country to attend Drexel, arriving after spending the past two seasons at San Diego State in his native California. After red-shirting his first year, he appeared in four games for the Aztecs last season, recording an assist and putting up three shots. Thompson spent four years on the varsity team at Mayfair High School in Lakewood, earning the Press Telegram Soccer Player of the Year distinction in 2012. He was a First Team All-Suburban League performer in 2011 and 2012, and was the Mayfair Most Valuable Player as a senior in 2012.
Thompson played most recently for San Gabriel FC. He also spent time with Cypress FC and Chivas USA Academy. With Cypress, Thompson was named the MVP of Arsenal Cup in 2011.
The son of Cathy and Oliver Thompson, the latter of whom played for George Allen on the football team at Long Beach State, and the brother of Tristan, Aaron intends to enroll in the graphic design program at Drexel.
Hess on Tristan: "Tristan is a dynamic attacking player with loads of talent on the ball. He can create for both himself on the dribble, as well as for his teammates on the pass. Tristan is an exciting player to watch in the final third and will add a good compliment to our attack."
Aaron will be joined by his brother Tristan Thompson, who also starred at Mayfair High in Lakewood prior to committing to the Dragons. Thompson spent two seasons playing soccer at Mayfair, earning the team's Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2012. Thompson was a Second Team All-Suburban League choice that season.
After his sophomore season, Thompson gave up high school soccer to play full-time with the Pateadores USSF Academy. The attacking midfielder / forward currently leads his team in scoring with 13 goals in 18 appearances.
The son of Cathy and Oliver Thompson and the brother of Aaron, Tristan intends to major in business administration upon arriving at Drexel.
Hess on Winkel: "Bayley is a crafty attacking player, with good balance on the ball and clever ideas. He has a knack for creative play in the final third, albeit for himself or for freeing others on goal. He has had some fantastic youth experiences that will serve him well as he makes the transition to college soccer."
Out of Whitby, Ontario, Canada, Bayley Winkel arrives at Drexel after a four-year career at Henry Street High School. In each of his four years at Henry Street, Winkel earned the school's Male Athlete of the Year award. He was the team captain for three years, starting as a sophomore, and earned team awards not only in soccer but also in cross-country. In addition, Winkel was a varsity badminton and basketball player for Henry Street.
Winkel played on the Toronto FC Academy team, as well as the North Toronto Nitros. He competed in the 2013 Aegor Cup with Toronto FC, a tournament held in Holland with teams such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Sao Paolo, Ajax, Anderlecht, Benfica and Tottenham. His team was an Ontario Cup finalist in 2011 and the league cup champion in 2012. Additionally, Winkel was a member of the Ontario Provincial Team from 2009-12 and part of the U17 Canada national pool. Winkel currently plays for U21 Vaughn SC.
The son of Marlene and Garry Winkel, Bayley intends to major in sport management.
Hess on Yu: "Sander has a fantastic touch of the ball and strong passing range. He is a good compliment to our midfield and has ability to play in other areas of the field as well. Sander has a high soccer IQ"
Sander Yu makes the short trip into Philadelphia from Wayne, Pa., where he was a graduate of the Haverford School. During his high school career, Yu was named an All-Inter-AC, All-Delco and All-Main Line performer. Yu also spent time at Winston Churchill High in Potomac and Radnor High School before settling in at Haverford.
Yu plays with the Continental FC Delco USSF Academy currently and prior to relocating to the Philadelphia area, played for DC United club teams. He was the captain of the DC United squad, and was a member of the ODP state and regional team. While in Maryland, Yu was the captain of the Maryland ODP state team.
The son of Marie and Sid Yu, Sander intends to major in marketing and finance at Drexel.
Erik Alexandersson, Noah Blodget, Dakota Peterson, Joseph Rodriguez, brothers Aaron and Tristan Thompson, Bayley Winkel and Sander Yu comprise the incoming class of 2014, a wide-ranging class with representatives from Sweden, Canada, Colorado and California in addition to several from the local area.
"My staff and I worked hard at this incoming class, as it covers a wide range of players coming from a large geographic radius," Hess commented. "I know the quality that is in this group and am looking forward to their arrival this August. It is not only a strong talent pool of players, but also a group with both high commitment and strong character. It will be a fun group to watch and participate in their development over the coming years."
Hess on Alexandersson: "Erik is a box-to-box type midfielder that keeps the game simple and makes good decisions with the ball. His strong technique, ability to break up play and tireless work ethic will allow him to transition into a holding-type midfield player as well."
Erik Alexandersson comes the furthest to arrive at Drexel. A native of Gothenburg, Sweden, Alexandersson played three years of soccer at Katrinelundsgymnasiet, leading the school to a regional championship in 2011.
Alexandersson was also a member of IFK Bjorko and Torslanda IK club teams. With Bjorko, he was named the team's Midfielder of the Year in 2011. He then moved onto Torslanda, where he helped them to the final 16 in the Swedish Cup in each of the last two seasons.
Alexandersson earned a position in the Swedish national team program as a member of his regional team from 2010-12. The son of Helen and Lars-Erik Alexandersson, Erik intends to enter the sport management program.
Hess on Blodget: "Noah is a steady outside back with a strong left foot. He is a cerebral player that possesses a good eye for reading the game and good ability to pass out of the back."
Noah Blodget is staying close to home by committing to Drexel. The native of Wynnewood currently plays club soccer with the Pennsylvania Classics USSF Academy. In 2012-13, he helped the U-16 Classics team to the national playoffs. He also spent time with the FC Delco and Lower Merion club teams, earning captainships with both.
Prior to his involvement with the academy set-up, Blodget played high school soccer for local Lower Merion High school where he was a two-year letterwiner as a midfielder and defender. He helped his team to a district championship in 2010-11, leading them to the Pennsylvania state quarterfinals. As a sophomore, Blodget led the team in games played and minutes played, and helped them to the league championship game.
The son of Danielle and Kyle Blodget, Noah intends to major in mechanical engineering.
Hess on Peterson: "Kota is a solid two-way midfielder that possess quality in both feet along with a solid passing ability. He is soccer-savvy and has a great brain for the game. Kota has huge desire and competitiveness that will allow him to succeed as he progresses. "
Dakota Peterson comes to the Dragons from Denver, where he attended East High School and started on the varsity soccer program as both a freshman and sophomore. In his sophomore season, Peterson helped East to a Colorado State 5A championship.
After his sophomore season, Peterson left his high school team to focus on club soccer, playing with the Colorado Rapids Academy from 2011-14. Twice, Peterson earned a spot on the Generation Adidas Team, playing in Madrid and Brazil in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Additionally, Peterson has been called into four National Training centers for the USSF Academy.
The son of Bernadette Buck and Joel Peterson, Dakota is undecided on a major.
Hess on Rodriguez: "Joey has a solid left foot that allows him to provide quality service and a strong ball striking ability. Additionally, Joey experienced a good taste of top-soccer at an early age through his youth national team experiences. He is a soccer-junkie that brings some personality to the game."
Joseph Rodriguez arrives at Drexel from Montclair, N.J. A graduate of Montclair High, Rodriguez spent three years on the varsity soccer team there, missing his junior season to play with Matchfit Chelsea USSF Academy. At Montclair, Rodriguez earned both the Freshman and Sophomore of the Year awards in Essex County, and was an All-State honorable mention performer as a freshman. He followed that up with two All-State recognitions in his sophomore and senior seasons. Rodriguez led Montclair to a county title last year, and was a Regional All-American.
With Matchfit Academy and the SDFC Gauchos club program, Rodriguez spent a total of nine years. He earned a spot on his ODP state and regional teams, and was a member of the U15 national squad, as well as the U17 national pool.
The son of Ana and Paul Rodriguez, Joseph intends to major in business.
Hess on A. Thompson: "Aaron is another solid lefty, attacking player. He has good ideas in possession, as well as a knack for getting in good spots off the ball. Additionally, he has two years of a collegiate training environment that will help in his transition to Drexel."
Aaron Thompson will head across the country to attend Drexel, arriving after spending the past two seasons at San Diego State in his native California. After red-shirting his first year, he appeared in four games for the Aztecs last season, recording an assist and putting up three shots. Thompson spent four years on the varsity team at Mayfair High School in Lakewood, earning the Press Telegram Soccer Player of the Year distinction in 2012. He was a First Team All-Suburban League performer in 2011 and 2012, and was the Mayfair Most Valuable Player as a senior in 2012.
Thompson played most recently for San Gabriel FC. He also spent time with Cypress FC and Chivas USA Academy. With Cypress, Thompson was named the MVP of Arsenal Cup in 2011.
The son of Cathy and Oliver Thompson, the latter of whom played for George Allen on the football team at Long Beach State, and the brother of Tristan, Aaron intends to enroll in the graphic design program at Drexel.
Hess on Tristan: "Tristan is a dynamic attacking player with loads of talent on the ball. He can create for both himself on the dribble, as well as for his teammates on the pass. Tristan is an exciting player to watch in the final third and will add a good compliment to our attack."
Aaron will be joined by his brother Tristan Thompson, who also starred at Mayfair High in Lakewood prior to committing to the Dragons. Thompson spent two seasons playing soccer at Mayfair, earning the team's Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2012. Thompson was a Second Team All-Suburban League choice that season.
After his sophomore season, Thompson gave up high school soccer to play full-time with the Pateadores USSF Academy. The attacking midfielder / forward currently leads his team in scoring with 13 goals in 18 appearances.
The son of Cathy and Oliver Thompson and the brother of Aaron, Tristan intends to major in business administration upon arriving at Drexel.
Hess on Winkel: "Bayley is a crafty attacking player, with good balance on the ball and clever ideas. He has a knack for creative play in the final third, albeit for himself or for freeing others on goal. He has had some fantastic youth experiences that will serve him well as he makes the transition to college soccer."
Out of Whitby, Ontario, Canada, Bayley Winkel arrives at Drexel after a four-year career at Henry Street High School. In each of his four years at Henry Street, Winkel earned the school's Male Athlete of the Year award. He was the team captain for three years, starting as a sophomore, and earned team awards not only in soccer but also in cross-country. In addition, Winkel was a varsity badminton and basketball player for Henry Street.
Winkel played on the Toronto FC Academy team, as well as the North Toronto Nitros. He competed in the 2013 Aegor Cup with Toronto FC, a tournament held in Holland with teams such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Sao Paolo, Ajax, Anderlecht, Benfica and Tottenham. His team was an Ontario Cup finalist in 2011 and the league cup champion in 2012. Additionally, Winkel was a member of the Ontario Provincial Team from 2009-12 and part of the U17 Canada national pool. Winkel currently plays for U21 Vaughn SC.
The son of Marlene and Garry Winkel, Bayley intends to major in sport management.
Hess on Yu: "Sander has a fantastic touch of the ball and strong passing range. He is a good compliment to our midfield and has ability to play in other areas of the field as well. Sander has a high soccer IQ"
Sander Yu makes the short trip into Philadelphia from Wayne, Pa., where he was a graduate of the Haverford School. During his high school career, Yu was named an All-Inter-AC, All-Delco and All-Main Line performer. Yu also spent time at Winston Churchill High in Potomac and Radnor High School before settling in at Haverford.
Yu plays with the Continental FC Delco USSF Academy currently and prior to relocating to the Philadelphia area, played for DC United club teams. He was the captain of the DC United squad, and was a member of the ODP state and regional team. While in Maryland, Yu was the captain of the Maryland ODP state team.
The son of Marie and Sid Yu, Sander intends to major in marketing and finance at Drexel.
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