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Men’s Soccer Announces 2023 Signing Class
CHICAGO – DePaul men’s soccer head coach Mark Plotkin officially announced the Blue Demons 2023 recruiting class, Friday morning. The Blue Demons will welcome nine newcomers to Lincoln Park for the fall 2023 season.
The 2023 signing class includes two transfers and seven freshmen who are set to join 20 returning letterwinners. In addition to the nine newcomers, freshmen Drew Clark and Alex Peters joined the Blue Demons in Winter 2023 and participated with the team during spring games.
Callum Watts | Junior | Charlotte | Yeovil, England
Watts joins the Blue Demons after spending two seasons as a member of the Charlotte 49ers. Making 23 starts in 30 appearances, he concluded his sophomore season with 10 points (two goals, six assists). Prior to his collegiate career, Watts was a member of the Wales U19 European Championship team and played on Southampton’s Youth Academy.
Plotkin on Watts: “Callum will strengthen our midfield right away. He is a two-way midfielder with a presence about him. He can pass the ball all over the field and will inject energy into our team through his leadership qualities. “
Christian Baumgartner | Redshirt Freshman | Kentucky | New Lenox, Ill.
Baumgartner comes to Lincoln Park after spending his freshman year at Kentucky. Prior to his first collegiate season, Baumgartner played with the Chicago Fire II and won the 2021 MLS Next Championship.
Plotkin on Baumgartner: “Christian is a fantastic defender with great experience playing at the MLS Next Pro level with Chicago Fire II and a season of college under his belt at the University of Kentucky. He fits our mentality on the defensive side of the ball and has the ability to get forward from an outside back position as well.”
Noeh Hernandez | Freshman | Chicago Fire II | Bridgeview, Ill.
Hernandez has been a member of the MLS Next Pro Chicago Fire II for the last two seasons where he won a championship in 2021. The Bridgeview, Ill. native also won the Bellsport Cup Championship in Poland (2018) as well as the Scotiabank CONCACAF U13 Champions League Title (2017) with the Chicago Fire Academy.
Plotkin on Hernandez: “Noeh has been with Chicago Fire II in the MLS Next Pro league for the last two seasons. He has a creative and dynamic attacking midfielder that will bring a unique element to our attack. He registered his first professional goal and earned a call up to the Puerto Rico National Team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer, and we’re excited for Noeh to join us this fall.”
Liam Mullins | Freshman | Phoenix Rising | Winfield, Ariz.
Mullins has been playing club soccer with Phoenix Rising for several years, netting over 100 goals. The freshman also gained professional experience with the team, making his USL debut this spring.
Plotkin on Mullins: “Liam is a constant goal threat whether it be from the front or from the wide areas. He has great versatility and has been gaining valuable experience training with Phoenix Rising’s first team this year, making his professional debut in May.”
Keagan Pace | Freshman | Carolina Elite Soccer Academy | Greer, S.C.
Pace won three high school state championships at Riverside High School during his career. He scored 18 goals in 16 matches and picked up All-Region and All-State honors. Pace played club soccer with Carolina Elite Soccer Academy where his team was national finalists in 2021. Additionally he earned First Team All-Conference honors and twice earned Second Team All-Conference honors.
Plotkin on Pace: “Keagan is a true number nine that can score in a variety of ways. He has the skill, pace, and athleticism to thrive in the Big East. He has had success at the youth and high school levels, winning multiple state championships with his high school. Keagan is also gaining experience training with Greenville Triumph’s first team in the USL.”
Chase Stegall | Freshman | Southern Soccer Academy | Atlanta, Ga.
Stegall was a 2023 conference champion at Woodward Academy and was a three-time regional champion. The incoming freshman earned All-Region honors twice during his career. Stegall played club soccer with the Southern Soccer Academy where he was a two-time USL Academy Champion and qualified for the 2023 MLS Next Pro playoffs.
Plotkin on Stegall: “Chase is an explosive wide player with the ability to get up and down the wing to create for his team. He is a matchup problem in wide areas and will add an explosive element to our attack. “
Jordan Clagette | Freshman | Southern Soccer Academy | Douglasville, Ga.
Clagette was named to the All-Region team during his high school career at Woodward Academy. During his club experience at Southern Soccer Academy, Clagette was a two-time Academy Cup champion and named to the MLS Next All-Star Cup.
Plotkin on Clagette: “Jordan has a fantastic ability to cover ground, break up plays, and connect the game through his passing ability. He has a tenacity about him that we love and are excited for what Jordan can add to our midfield.”
Izaiah Coleman | Freshman | Shattuck St. Mary’s | Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Coleman played at Shattuck St. Mary’s, a member of the MLS Next elite youth development platform. He played under head coach Sean Bushey.
Plotkin on Coleman: “Izaiah is a skillful left back that will get up and down the wing to join the attack. He is also a fantastic 1v1 defender. Izaiah’s ability on both sides of the ball will be an asset to our backline for the future.”
Owen Senn | Freshman | Central Illinois United/St. Louis Scott Gallagher | Bloomington, Ill.
Senn was a 2023 conference champion at Normal Community West High School, as well as earned All-Conference honors three times and was named to the All-State team during his senior season. Senn also played club soccer for Central Illinois United and won the State Cup Championship in 2023.
Plotkin on Senn: “Owen stood out to us with his shot stopping ability and athleticism at the goalkeeper position. He has a great work ethic and drive to improve that will further his growth when he arrives here at DePaul. We are looking forward to seeing him develop and strengthen our goalkeeping core.”
