By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University men's soccer team is proud to announce its nine new recruits for the 2021-22 academic year. Four of the recruits are from California, with three recruits from Oregon, and one each from Hawaii and Washington.

In 2021, the Bearcats will be led by Head Men's Soccer Coach Sam Adelman, who was an assistant coach at Willamette for the past three seasons, including two seasons with the men's soccer team. Adelman played soccer at Willamette and graduated in 2016.

"We are excited to get this new class of Bearcats integrated into the team," Adelman said. "Each one of them will continue to raise our standard on and off the pitch. As a group, they possess a lot of quality, technically and tactically. During the recruiting process, no one is ever guaranteed to come into the team and play. That's something they earn through work rate and performance. As a staff, we haven't been hesitant to play younger players if they show their readiness. I believe that this class is no different, and will continue to push us to new heights."

This past year, the men's soccer season was shortened and moved to the spring due to COVID-19. Willamette earned an undefeated record of 8-0, with all eight games against Northwest Conference opponents. The Bearcats scored 30 goals for 3.74 goals per 90 minutes played. On defense, WU allowed just four goals, while earning four shutouts and a 0.50 goals against average.

Here is Willamette's recruiting class for 2021-22:

Max Albano (Fy., Midfielder, Aiea, HI/Maryknoll School)

In addition to playing for Maryknoll School in Hawaii, Albano also competed for the Honolulu Bulls Soccer Club through the Nemesis Soccer Academy. He was chosen as an Interscholastic League of Hawaii (ILH) Division 2 First Team All-Star in 2019-20. He helped Maryknoll win ILH Division 2 championships in 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. He contributed to the Honolulu Bulls winning the 2021 USCS Hawaii State Cup Championship in club soccer.

"I became a Bearcat during my recruiting visit and was welcomed by the coaches, soccer players, and other athletes in the aloha spirit that made me immediately feel like I was already part of the team and school," Albano commented. "Willamette's 3+2 Engineering program will allow me to pursue my other passion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)."

Krisna LaFrance (Fy., Forward, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS)

LaFrance played forward for Ballard High School in Seattle, Washington. He also participated with the Seattle United club team. While playing for Seattle United, he helped the team win the 2018 Surf Cup Championship and the 2019 National League Championship. The team also competed at the 2019 USYS Nationals.

At Ballard, he was a team captain and was selected as the 2021 Soccer Offensive MVP. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Asian Student Union.

"I chose Willamette because it combines high-level competitive soccer with a great liberal arts education, and it is close to home," LaFrance said.

Maximus Lansing (Fy., Forward, Portland, OR/Westview HS)

At Westview High School in the Portland area, Lansing was named Honorable Mention All-Metro League as a junior. He received All-Metro League academic honors. Lansing also was on a team with players from the United States and other countries that competed at an international tournament in France.

His club team, Capital FC, won the 2021 OYSA State Cup. Capital FC also reached the quarterfinals of the Regional Tournament.

"I chose Bearcat men's soccer because I wanted to be a part of a successful program where I could not only grow as a player, but as an individual off the pitch as well," Lansing noted. "Also, this program will give me the opportunities I need to achieve my athletic goals while allowing me to challenge myself."

Ryan O'Grady (Fy., Midfielder/Defender, Los Angeles, CA/John Marshall HS)

While playing at John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, California, O'Grady earned First Team All-CIF Los Angeles Division II honors and First Team All-CIF Los Angeles Northern League honors in 2020-21. In 2019-20, he was named Second Team All-CIF Los Angeles North League. He helped John Marshall win three consecutive CIF Los Angeles North League championships. He won the Kenzie-Mackechnie Foundation Scholarship from John Marshall. In club soccer, he played for the LA Surf boys ERCL '03.

"I chose the Willamette men's soccer team because I am looking for a program and a school where I can challenge myself academically and continue playing the sport I love," O'Grady said. "I also enjoy the feeling of community among the team."

Andrew Reed (Fy., Midfielder, Portland, OR/Franklin HS)

Reed attended played soccer at Franklin High School in Portland, Oregon. Franklin won the 2019 OSAA 6A State Championship, with Reed providing the winning goal in the second overtime for a 2-1 win over Summit High School. Reed also competed for the Eastside Timbers during club soccer. He helped Eastside Timbers win the OYSA State Cup.

"I chose this program (at Willamette) because it looks like a great program with fantastic coaches and players on a beautiful campus," Reed said.

Brandon Rodriguez-Hernandez (Fy., Midfielder, Mount Angel, OR/Silverton HS)

Rodriguez-Hernandez was named Second Team All-Conference in soccer at Silverton High School in Oregon during the 2019 season. He graduated from Silverton with honros and a seal of bi-literacy.

He also played for Capital FC. He contributed to his club team winning the Presidents Cup championship.

"I joined the Bearcats because Jared Rust (former WU head coach) took me under his wing at CFC and showed me glimpses of what it would be like to play at Willamette," Rodriguez-Hernandez commented. "I knew I wanted more of it and I know it is the best place for me to improve on and off the field."

Simon Stein (Fy., Defender, Orinda, CA/Miramonte HS)

Stein attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California. He was the team's MVP as a sophomore and a senior. He was named First Team All-Diablo Athletics League in 2020-21. While attending Miramonte, he received the 2016-17 Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

In addition, Stein played for the Diablo Valley Wolves in club soccer. He helped the Wolves win the NorCal State Cup Championship in 2016-17 and 2018-19.

"I chose to join the Bearcats because of the team culture and winning mentality, and the university's strong history of academic excellence," Stein said.

Alexander Tapia (Jr., Goalkeeper, San Mateo, CA/Aragon HS/Canada College)

At Aragon High School in California, Tapia played goalkeeper on the soccer team. He also competed for JASA and Juventus in club competitions and tournaments. He was named Best Goalkeeper of the Season with his team at Aragon High School.

Later, Tapia attended Canada College (junior college) in California for three years. He was named to the Dean's List six times and was a Promise Scholar all three years.

"I am choosing the Bearcat family because I love the unity amongst the boys," Tapia said. "That is something that I want to be a part of because when you have a family off the field, anything is possible on the field. I value how genuine everyone is. It gives me the drive to be better. I'm excited for what the future holds for the Bearcats."

Luke Varav (Fy., Midfielder, Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS)

While competing at Newbury Park High School in California, Varav was chosen twice as the Marmonte League MVP. He also was selected First Team All-Ventura County for two seasons and was named First Team Division II by the Los Angeles Times for one season.

In club soccer, Varav played for the L.A. Breakers. He helped the Strikers South Bay win a National Cup and played for the Estonia Under-19 National Team that took third place in the Baltic Tournament.

"I chose Bearcats men's soccer because the team has a positive camaraderie and a winning mentality," Varav said.