University of Connecticut Athletics
Men's Soccer Announce Nine Additions to 2025 Roster
8/6/2025 4:12:00 PM | Men's Soccer
STORRS, Conn. – UConn men's soccer head coach Chris Gbandi has announced the addition of eleven student-athletes to the 2025 roster. The incomers are comprised of four transfers and six true freshmen.
"I am excited to welcome the Class of 2025 to the University of Connecticut and to the UConn Men's Soccer Family," said head coach Chris Gbandi. "I would like to thank my staff for their hard work and dedication in putting this outstanding class together."
"This class brings in a number of student-athletes who we believe will strengthen our roster and help continue moving our program forward. As with every recruiting class, we look for individuals who embody some of the key principles that define our culture—and the Class of 2025 is no exception," Gbandi continued.
"They have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to compete, regardless of the circumstances. Their drive and desire to compete will undoubtedly elevate the standard of our team in the upcoming season."
"We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2025 to our program!" Gbandi concluded.
Meet the Transfers
Maquan Aldridge (Kingston, Jamaica) – Forward – Southwestern Illinois College
Maquan Aldridge joins the Huskies roster in 2025 after spending his first two seasons at Southwestern Illinois College. As a forward, Aldridge played in 22 games, scoring 23 goals, and recording 8 assists, earning Third Team All-American honors in 2024. The Kingston, Jamaica native attended Technical High School in Kingston, graduating in 2022. Aldridge will have two years of eligibility with the Huskies.
Austin Brummett (Bow, New Hampshire) – Forward – San Diego State
Austin Brummett comes to UConn after spending his first three seasons at San Diego State University. Brummett primarily played forward for the Aztecs compiling 14 goals and 10 assists across 52 games played. In his sophomore season he led the Aztecs in goals (7) and points (17). Prior to his time at San Diego State, Brummett attended Learning Academy Charter School in Exeter, New Hampshire while playing for the New York Red Bull Academy. Brummett was ranked 35th nationally in his graduating class and was the No. 6 overall ranked forward by Top Drawer Soccer for the class of 2022.
Adam Carter (Clemmons, North Carolina) – Goalkeeper – Messiah University
Adam Carter arrives in Storrs after spending the past four seasons at Messiah University. In his four seasons with the Falcons, Carter appeared in 46 matches, posting a 34-7-3 record in between the sticks. He made 95 saves with 21 shutouts, only conceding 22 goals, holding an impressive 0.53 goals against average. Carter is a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Region selection, and two-time All-MAC Commonwealth selection. Prior to his time at Messiah, Carter attended Calvary Day School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he led his team to the 2020 North Carolina State Championship. He was named the State Championship Game MVP. Carter was also an All-Conference, All-State, and All-Region player.
Balthazar Saunders (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – Midfield – Villanova
Balthazar Saunders comes to UConn as a graduate transfer after playing four seasons for BIG EAST foe Villanova. As a midfielder, Saunders recorded 12 goals and 16 assists in 57 matches played for the Wildcats. The New York native tallied 4 game winning goals and logged 58 shots on goal. He led the BIG EAST in assists in 2022. Prior to his time at Villanova, Saunders played for the New York Red Bulls Academy and New York City FC Academy.
Meet the Freshman Class
Preston Alessio (Beacon Falls, Connecticut) – Midfield - CFC
Connecticut native Preston Alessio attended The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut where he was a four-time All-State player. This past season, Alessio led his team to a Founders League Championship and a New England title, as he was named the Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year in Connecticut. In his senior season, Alessio was named the NEPSAC Class A and New England Soccer Journal Prep Player of the Year, along with being a United Soccer Coaches All-American selection and was selected for the High School All-American Game.
Maxim Emmerling (Frankfurt, Germany) – Defense
Maxim Emmerling arrives in Storrs from Germany where he attended Musterschule in Frankfurt. He played for FSV Frankfurt 1899 since he was a youth and was one of the top defenders in the club.
Xavier Perez (Tona, Spain) – Midfield – Girona FC
Xavier Perez joins the Huskies from Tona, Spain. He grew up playing in the top youth leagues in Spain, including the FC Barcelona academy. In his time at FC Barcelona from 2012-2015, he won all league titles at the youth level. Perez also played for Club Gimnastic de Manresa, FC Andorra, and Girona FC in Spain. He recently graduated from Institut Obert de Catalunya
Jack Ryan (Brookfield, Connecticut) – Midfield – AC Connecticut
Another Connecticut native, Jack Ryan comes to UConn after lettering for four seasons under head coach David Lavery at Brookfield High School. Ryan led Brookfield to a Class L State Championship in 2024, serving as team captain in his senior season. For his career, Ryan was a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American selection, a two-time All-New England selection, and a two-time All-State player.
Edward Wester (Stockholm, Sweden) – Forward
Edward Wester arrives in Storrs from Stockholm, Sweden. He attended the British School of Barcelona in Spain. He played for Gimnastic De Tarragona in the Division De Honor which is the top-level Spanish League for youth players 19 years old and younger in Spain. He was selected to the Team of the Week three times in his career and was nominated for the Premio Puskas Award in 2023-24.
