SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Cal State San Marcos men's soccer 2018 recruiting class consists of ten freshman and one junior college transfer.

"We have been looking forward to getting to work with this group of players for a long time," said 13th-year head coach Ron Pulvers. "We have had one of the best and most competitive training camps we have had in many years. There is a real sense of urgency and that is very motivating. The group has been energized, committed and hungry for success. On paper, it is a very promising group with a real blend and balance of qualities and personalities. We return a group that has experienced both sides of results and know the conference well. We add an 11-player class, this is a very talented pool of players who will be pushing every position. I expect great progress and growth from this team. "

 

	#4 Marcos Lopez Freshman Defender 5-8 • 160 lbs Carlsbad, Calif. / Carlsbad HS
Pulvers on Lopez: "Marcos was the first commitment of our class from local powerhouse club LA Galaxy San Diego. He is a versatile defender with a tremendous passing ability, which is a priority for our style of play. Marcos is a tactically astute player with a quick speed of play that we see easily adapting to our game model."

 

#11 Josh Mendez Freshman Forward 6-2 • 160 lbs Quartz Hill, Calif. / Quartz HS

Pulvers on Mendez: "Josh is geographically the recruit coming from the furthest away as he went to Quartz Hill HS in Lancaster, CA. He is a forward that has the full package in terms of positional traits. He has a soft first touch, crafty 1v1 moves, powerful strides, and can finish equally well from distance, around goal, and with his head. Josh played on a very successful Crescenta Valley club team, and we can't wait to see how his game translates to the CCAA."

 

#12 Collin Wagstaff Freshman Midfielder 6-0 • 155 lbs Carlsbad, Calif. / La Costa Canyon HS

Pulvers on Wagstaff: "Collin was a local star at La Costa Canyon HS and for his club team Encinitas Express. He is a central midfielder with an incredible engine and fitness level as a former cross-country runner. Combine that with his quick speed of thought, elegant feet, and willingness to want to solve problems with simple passes and it is easy to see why we are high on Collin's potential to impact our program."

 

#6 Taylor Koptieff Freshman Midfielder 5-11 • 165 lbs Temecula, Calif. / Temecula Valley HS

Pulvers on Koptieff: "Taylor is from Temecula but comes to us after playing his gap year with Barca Academy of the USSDA. We were drawn right away to his technique and positional awareness in possession. Taylor definitely embodies the Barcelona style of play, so we see him fitting into immediately. We strive to dominate a game like FC Barcelona, and hope that a player of Taylor's pedigree with help us in the right direction."

 

#19 Raul Meza Freshman Defender 5-9 • 165 lbs Chula Vista, Calif. / Southwest HS

Pulvers on Meza: Raul is from Chula Vista and played for Nomads Academy in the USSDA. He played in a variety of positions for Nomads this past season which is testament to Raul's soccer IQ and that is what we most like about him. He is a player that likes to enjoy the game in possession of the ball and can be a tank to win the ball back. We are not quite sure where we will use Raul yet, but where ever it is we know he will be successful.

 

	#27 Jorge Martinez Freshman Defender 5-11 • 160 lbs Chula Vista, Calif. / Southwest HS
Pulvers on Martinez: "Jorge is also from Chula Vista and Nomads Academy of the USSDA. In our eyes he is one of the best left footed center backs in the state. Jorge has fantastic composure in his build up play and makes his defending look effortless. It is because of these traits that we see Jorge being a staple in our team for years to come and we can't wait to get started working with him."

 

#16 Ali Khalil Freshman Midfielder 5-8 • 160 lbs Upland, Calif. / Upland HS

Pulvers on Khalil: "Ali played for Riverside City FC and is from Upland HS, where fellow Cougars Bryan Morrison and Tyler Schrock are from. He is a pacey winger that can beat you with quick 1v1 moves, an early cross, or looking to combine. Ali unfortunately tore his ACL and will be red shirting this season. We are excited to help him with his rehab as he gets acquainted with the team and our game model."

 

	#9 Landon Graham Freshman Forward 6-4 • 175 lbs Scripps Ranch, Calif. / Scripps Ranch HS
Pulvers on Graham: Landon is another local product that played for DMCV Sharks club team. He is a forward that possesses a strong 6'3 frame and is going to terrorize opponents with his powerful runs and velvet soft technical ability. He is much more than your typical big target forward, so we are excited to see how he does at the next level and with better players around him.

 

#1 Matt Escareno Junior Goalkeeper 5-10 • 165 lbs Oxnard, Calif. / Oxnard CC

Pulvers on Escareno: "Matt is our only transfer as he comes from Oxnard CC. He is a goalkeeper with advanced level technical ability that suits our philosophy to build play from the back through the GK. Matt will be a junior this year, joining fellow junior goalkeepers Justin Tesar and Tyler Gerard. It is going to be a competitive race to see who wins the starting role, and we know Matt will make the GK core and overall team better."

 

#10 Juan Camilo Salazar Freshman Forward 6-0 • 175 lbs Medellin, Columbia / Mission Hills HS

Pulvers on Salazar: "Juan moved to San Marcos from Colombia a little over two years ago now and is a forward that most recently played for San Diego Surf Academy in the USSDA. He a passionate about his football and brings a competitive spirit that we think we push everyone to a higher level. Blessed with a dangerous left foot, Juan is someone with the potential to impact our team right away and make a name for himself in the conference."

 

	#31 Jose "Pepe" Valenzuela Freshman Midfielder 5-11 • 165 lbs San Diego, Calif. / Helix HS
Pulvers on Valenzuela: "Pepe was the latest of our class to commit. He had success with San Diego Surf of the US Academy system before taking his gap year and playing with a record-breaking Pateadores Academy side. Pepe is a midfield maestro that is used to playing at a high level and we look forward to seeing him make an immediate impact."