Men's Soccer Adds Six During Spring Signing

Six newcomers set to join Leathernecks in 2016

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois Director of Soccer Dr. Eric Johnson has announced on Monday, April 4, the addition of six players to the men's soccer program. Matt Benway has announced his commitment to Western Illinois while Antonio Aguilar, Tim Hansen, Daniel Kadima, Feli Keiti, and Tim Trilk have all signed National Letters of Intent.

"I am very excited about this class of incoming players," said Johnson "First of all, they are very motivated to help us win games and thankful for the opportunity to join our program. They each have something to different to offer the program and they help solve problems regarding depth and experience in critical positions. This recruiting class is motivated in the classroom and will do well as they pursue their degrees at Western."

Aguilar, a native of Santa Ana, Costa Rica, joins Western after spending his freshman season at Houston Baptist where he appeared in one game for the Huskies. Prior to enrolling in college, Aguilar, a defenseman, was a four-year letterwinner and starter at Saint Paul College in Alajuela, Costa Rica. He was named the 2014 MVP and played club soccer for both Heredia and Belen FC.

"Antonio is a left footed defender. He is very comfortable as a left center back in a line of four or as a left back in a line of three. He is a defense first player and will provide us with some grit in our back-line. Antonio's playing experience as a youth player in Costa Rica will help him as he makes the transition to our program and league," stated Johnson.

Benway, a native of O'Fallon, Illinois, is a four-year varsity player for O'Fallon Township High School. As a junior, Benway was named Third Team All-Conference before being a First Team All-Conference selection as a senior. Benway, a forward/defender, was also a Chicago Fire All-Academic Third Team honoree as a senior.

"Matt can play a number of positions. He can play in the back line and also is able to play as a target forward. He is a good athlete and we are looking forward to finding out where he is best suited to play at the college level. He has tremendous upside and will make quick strides in our program," added Johnson.

Hansen comes to Western Illinois from Eltville am Rhein, Germany. A goalie, Hansen competes in the in Regionalliga, the second-best youth league in the country. This past season Hansen competed on the U19 team that made it to the quarterfinals of the U19 German National Cup and finished in fourth place in the U19 Regionalliga. In 2014 Hansen tried out for the U19 German National Team while winning the U19 Southwest German Cup.

"Tim has all the tools to become a top Division I goalkeeper. He is extremely mobile for his height and distributes the ball very well," said Johnson. "He has been playing at a high level in youth soccer in Germany and his year-round training has prepared him well to make the transition to this level."

Kadima, a midfielder, will join Western after a two-year stint at Parkland College. A native of Champaign, Illinois, Kadima netted 19 goals during his two seasons at Parkland. During his time at Parkland, Kadima was named First Team All-Region both years and was tabbed as the Region 24 Forward of the Year this past season. Kadima also garnered the M-WAC Player of the Year honor as a sophomore. While in high school, Kadima earned All-Big 12 honors in 2011 and 2012 while also being named to the All-Area and All-State teams in 2012.

"Daniel is a talented left-footed midfielder. He can play both wide and in the center midfield. Daniel has the ability to create goals for himself and his teammates. I am looking forward to seeing him develop playing relationships with our returning midfield," noted Johnson.

Keti joins the Leathernecks after spending the last two seasons at Parkland College. A native of Champaign, Illinois, Keti netted seven goals and tallied eight assists while at Parkland. A defender and midfielder, Keti recorded 15 goals and 13 assists while at Champaign Central High School.

"Feli can play a variety of positions as he is quick, agile, and technical. I see him competing for a spot in our back-line but wouldn't limit him to being only a defender as he is a complete player," said Johnson.

Trilk, a native of Rockford, Illinois, comes to Western as a three-year varsity goalkeeper for Boylan Catholic High School. As a senior, Trilk posted six shutouts en route to being named the Nic-10 conference player of the year and an IHSSCA First Team All-State honoree. Trilk's senior campaign also saw the goalie be named to the Barrington Classic All-Tournament Team while posting a .97 goals allowed average for the year.

"Tim is an accomplished GK. He has had the benefit of very good training combined with a strong work ethic which has accelerated his development. He is technically proficient and has soft hands. He has a huge upside and will make our goalkeeping training sessions very competitive," noted Johnson.

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