BELLINGHAM, Wash.  – Western Washington University head men's soccer coach Greg Brisbon has announced the addition of eight players to the program set to debut for the Vikings in the 2023 season. 

 

This group of nine players includes five midfielders, two goalkeepers and one forward. The diverse class features players from five states, including four homegrown players from Washington. Six of the players will join the Vikings from the high school and club ranks, with two transfers from local junior colleges.

 

Here is a listing for the first wave of signees to the 2023 WWU Men's Soccer recruiting class:

 

 

The midfielder from Snohomish is coming off a successful sophomore season at Whatcom Community College. Fernandez earned NWAC honorable mention with three goals and four assists in the 2022 season with WCC. Fernandez was also a 2-time Wesco First Team selection with Jackson High school, scoring 24 goals and 19 assists from 2016-2019. Fernandez began his collegiate career at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs appearing in nine games between the 2020-21 seasons. Fernandez has already joined the program and is playing during the spring season.

 

Brisbon on Fernandez:

"We are looking forward to seeing Adan join our program. He is a very technical player, very high soccer IQ, and a tremendous work rate. Adan can play in all three lines if needed but will focus within the midfield group. Adan is a great addition to our roster."

 

Fernandez on joining the WWU program:

"I chose WWU because I really liked the campus and felt the team was the best fit for me."

 

The goalkeeper comes from San Francisco with experience in the MLS NEXT academy, reaching the 2022 MLS NEXT U-19 Cup Final. He recorded 16 Clean Sheets in 24 games (0.54 Goals Allowed per Game) with Lowell HS and was a two-time First Team All-League San Francisco selection, and named the 2022 San Francisco Goalkeeper of the Year. Recently earned the prestigious Negoesco Award as the Best Male Soccer Player in San Francisco.

 

Brisbon on Keane:

"Miles is a very technical GK from a great club program.  He has been in high level games and has good experience playing against top competition nationally. Miles will be a great addition to our GK roster."

 

Keane on joining the WWU program:

"Seeing the beautiful campus, overall town of Bellingham and the winning culture held at Western were all reasons why I chose the Vikings as my new home."

 

The Renton native played as both a winger and wingback throughout high school, college and club levels. He was a two-time NWAC All-Star ('21, '22) recording 10 goals and four assists in 2022 at Bellevue Community College. Prior to BC, Nguyen starred at Liberty High School and was a KingCo 3A First Team selection and named Team MVP in 2019. Named to Bellevue CC Dean's List and Academic All-Star. Nguyen has already joined the program and is playing during the spring season.

 

Brisbon on Nguyen:

"It is great to have Thomas join our program. He is from a very good club program and a strong NWAC program as well. Thomas is very good 1v1 and has ability to score goals. We are looking forward to see him compete as a Viking. "

 

Nguyen on joining the WWU program:

"WWU offers me the opportunity to win championships and play at a high level while pursuing a degree in a quality department."

 

The midfielder hails from Lindon, Utah bringing leadership to WWU, as the captain for both his club and high school teams in 2022-23. The midfielder scored four goals and tallied 10 assists in the 2022-23 season with Utah Soccer Alliance and was a member of the Premier 1 League Championship team in 2022-2023.

 

Brisbon on Oberhansly:

"Liam is a very versatile central midfielder who has great ability going forward; creating for others and scoring himself. Liam will be a nice addition to our midfield group."

 

Oberhansly on joining the WWU program:

"WWU caught my eye as soon as I saw one of the virtual tours of the campus and one of Bellingham, of course the soccer team is a big reason why I chose to come here but the location of the school is quite unbeatable."

 

The goalkeeper from Portland, Oregon comes with plenty experience out of Central Catholic High School. The three-time varsity letterwinner was named the 2022 6A Mt. Hood Conference Goalkeeper of the Year and selected to the 2022 6A Mt. Hood Conference First team All-Conference. Sappington recorded 12 shutouts as the team captain in the 2022 season.

 

Brisbon on Sappington:

"We are excited for Quinn to join our program. He comes from a strong youth and club background and I am looking forward to Quinn strengthening our GK roster."

 

Sappington on joining the WWU program:

"Western Washington's soccer program and academics create great opportunities both on and off the field to pursue my goals as a player and student."

 

The midfielder from Boulder, Colorado comes to WWU with club and semi-pro experience. The midfielder has played in the United States Soccer Federation Development Academy with FC Boulder, as well as USL League 2 experience with Flatirons Rush. He served as a team captain for over seven years and was captain of Boulder HS varsity team in 2022. A strong student-athlete he earned Academic All-State honors in 2021-22, as well as Academic Honor Roll every year of high school. He earned the Colorado State Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish and English.

 

Brisbon on Sims:

"Logan can play a multiple of positions.  He has a very good soccer IQ, has great passing range and is very good defensively. We are looking forward to seeing Logan grow as a player in our program."

 

Sims on joining the WWU program:

"Ever since I found out about Western Washington University it has been on my list. It quickly became one of my favorite schools because of the coaching staff, players, and the level of competition the soccer program had to offer. WWU also drew me in because it checked all my boxes for size of school, major, and amazing location. All together it easily became my top school and a place I could see myself being happy both in athletics and academics."

 

The Midfielder from Woodland, Washington brings experience in multiple pro academies, including the Portland Timbers academy in 2016-2018 and the FC Barcelona DA U15 and U16 teams from 2018-2020. Willis earned many honors through club and high school career, including the Greater Saint Helens League 2A Golden Boot in 2021, 2-time GSHL 2A First Team All-League with Ridgefield HS, and U17 ECNL NW First Team All-League in 2021 with WA Timbers ECNL. He scored 38 goals in 24 games over two seasons at Ridgefield HS. Also a top student-athlete he is in the top 10-percent of his class with a 3.8 GPA.

 

Brisbon on Willis:

"Jude is a very experienced midfielder who can play central or out wide. He is very technical on the ball, very good range of passing and can score from distance. Jude will be a great fit within our group."

 

Willis on joining the WWU program:

"I chose WWU to play at a high level of soccer in my home state. The coaching staff and the team fit everything I was looking for."

 

The Vancouver, Washington native can play as a winger or wingback brings the Vikings another experienced player. He was selected to the Greater Saint Helens League 2A First team All-League for the 2021-2022 season with Skyview High School. Witthauer has been Honor Roll student and Scholar Athlete Award for all four years of high school. He also served as the captain of Skyview Men's Soccer team in 2022-23.

 

Brisbon on Witthauer:

"We are looking forward to Lucas become a part of the Viking men's soccer program. Lucas is a versatile player who has great pace and is hungry to score goals. Lucas will fit in nicely with our current group of wide midfielders."

 

Witthauer on joining the WWU program:

"When I first arrived at Western, I knew it was what I had been looking for. Beautiful campus, excellent facilities, and an amazing program of players and coaching staff. I am thrilled to become a part of this group and cannot wait to get started."

 

Fans can follow WWU men's soccer online at WWUVikings.com/MSOC, and via social media on Twitter (@SoccerWWU), Instagram (@wwu_msoccer) and Facebook (@WWUsoccermens).