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The Eastern Illinois men's soccer team has announced the addition of eight new players for the class of 2024.

David Brown
A 6'2" defender from Woodburn, Ky., Brown transferred to EIU after spending one season at UNC Asheville. He played high school soccer at South Warren High School and club soccer for Louisville City Academy. In high school, Brown was a 2x all state, Kentucky Defensive Player of the Year Finalist, and a three-star Prospect Top Drawer Soccer.

"I was excited to welcome Dave to our team this semester from UNC Asheville, by way of Louisville City FC. He will provide strength in the air for us in the Center Back position. He can also pick out long passes. I like his physical, but refined approach to the game. He has been eager to make an impact already, and fits nicely into our team dynamic in the locker room and on the field," said head coach Josh Oakley.

Jackson Cote
A winger from Traverse City, Mich., Cote is another addition to the EIU program's front line. He played at TC West High School and TBAYS North Storm and was a All-State Honorary mention, All-Conference, as well as a three year team captain.

"Jackson is a pacey winger from northern Michigan. Another hard working player, he is excited to take his game to another level. His coaches have done a great job developing his game in a part of the state that is highly underrated. He has the ability to get to the end-line and cause problems for opposing fullbacks." concluded Oakley.

Nolan Getzinger
A forward from Crystal Lake, Ill., Getzinger was a 2x Northwest Herald Player of the Year and 2x All-State while playing for Chicago Inferno at the club level. He also played for Crystal Lake South High School and was a 2023 IHSA 2A State Champion.

"Nolan is an athletically gifted and sizable wide forward. He is fast and durable, which makes him cut out to provide a spark where our team needs in the attack." said Oakley. "He can score from close or from range. He also brings a championship pedigree which we look for intentionally."

Nate Hagemann
A 6'1" defender from Batavia, Ill., He joins EIU after playing for both Batavia High School and for the Sockers FC MLS Next. At the club level, Hagemann was the captain of the team as well as a 2023 National Finalist.

"Nate is a rugged and athletic defender from Sockers F.C. He has played and trained at a high level, and I believe he possesses a very big upside at division 1. His physical tools are obvious, and his attitude and drive are solid. When he gets to campus and begins his journey in the college game, I think positive results are going to follow for the program and player," said Oakley.

Sebastian Khoury
A forward from Palatine, Ill., Khoury joins the EIU soccer program after playing for Palatine High School and Sockers F.C. MLS Next. He was also a member of the Lebanon U17 National Team and received All-State and All-Conference honors while playing at the club level.
 
"Sebastian joins his Sockers FC teammate in this year's recruiting class. He is a wing attacking threat. He collects balls and makes things happen all over the attacking third and more specifically in the wide areas," added Oakley. "He has two forms of quickness (mind & feet) and speed as well-a triple threat-to unlock defenses. He is also our 3rd recruit in these first two classes to possess National Team experience."

Josh Simon
A forward from Wheaton, Ill., Simon has played for Wheaton North High School and Eclipse Select SC. He has received All-Sectional, All-Conference, and All-Area awards while also making an appearance at the 2023 ECNL Nationals. 

"Josh's game is high paced and high pressure. We want that out of our front men, and have been intentionally working through it this spring. He brings an edge to his game, and he doesn't stop working on both ends. He has tenacity in defending, most notably in the re-press. He finds good spaces and is a quality finisher." said Oakley. 

Nikita Stepanov
Another 6'1" defender, but from Vernon Hills, Ill., Stepanov comes to EIU after playing for Vernon Hills High School and Mundelein Soccer Club Academy at the club level. Throughout his soccer career, he has been awarded with All-State and All-Conference titles. 

"Nikita is a versatile defensive minded player that can go across the back line, or in a holding midfield role. He has size, but what I find most impressive is his range of passing," said Oakley. "He is a ball player who likes to break lines with his passes, and that is paramount to the way we set out to play."

Lance Toutanji
A 5'9" defender/midfielder from Portage, Mich., Toutanji has played for Portage Central High School and Midwest United MLS Next before joining EIU. He was a member of the Michigan ODP state team and the ODP Region Team. 

Oakley started off by saying: "Lance joins his brother at EIU, in what we hope will be a memorable year for his family and our family!" "Lance is versatile as well, and plays anywhere on the wing from back to front. A hallmark of his game is his work-rate. He also has a great pair of feet, and is good at advancing the ball on the dribble," concluded Oakley.