Creighton Men’s Soccer Recruiting Big Board: Soccer 2013

Creighton’s move into the Big East might be more beneficial for Men’s Soccer than any other sports program on the Hilltop. Elmar Bolowich’s has consistently tested his squads with rigorous non-conference schedules, yet when his Jays enter the Valley conference, the quality from opposition is lacking.

Missouri Valley schools simply cannot (or do not want to) compete with the resources, tradition, recruiting prowess, and support that Bolowich and Creighton put forth year after year. Teams inevitably bunker into their half and clutter the field making for a rather difficult (and unentertaining) match to watch. It is hard to blame these schools who have far less talent and ability than the Jays. Missouri State, Drake and SIU-E have given Creighton all that they can handle in years past, yet these schools cannot devout the money necessary to build a program on Creighton’s level. Thus, a move into a conference with like minded programs Georgetown, St. John’s, Marquette, and Xavier will do our program wonders.

Creighton soccer does not recruit it, it reloads. Losing seniors Jose Gomez (2012 All-American), Brent Kallman, Jake Brown and Andrew Ribeiro (2012 All-American) for most programs would signal a rebuilding year. However, at Creighton it merely allows the next batch of College Superstars to take their rightful place on the pitch at Morrison.

Richie Perez (Signed) photo courtesy of: Colorado Rapids

The loss of Jose Gomez will be lessened by the arrival of Colorado Rapids academy product Ricardo “Richie” Perez. Perez was one of the most coveted midfielders in the class of 2013. He blends technically ability, with tremendous footwork and ball skill. Do not be surprised if this freshman is starting on day one of Creighton’s 2013 campaign. Perez likes to play centrally, much little Gomez, but also has the work ethic and defensive aspect to his game to where he can be deployed on the flank.

Bolowich and assistant coaches Johnny Torres and Justin Hughes also secured some of the better players in the Nebraska, grabbing three signatures from the states finest soccer club Omaha FC.

Alex Prusa of Creighton Prep is a midfield general. He paired with 2015 Creighton target Peter Schropp last season at Prep helping them to a State title. Prusa is gritty, he plays with bite and seems to win every 50/50 ball. Don’t let his looks fool you, Prusa is a pitbull.

Michael Kluver is the highest rated Nebraska goalkeeper since Creighton legends Brian Holt or Matt Allen. Kluver has excellent size and shot stopping abilities. Kluver will likely red-shirt this season as Alex Bolowich and Oshick Shams seem to have the goalkeeper spot on lock.

Brock Fitzgerald was the first signee in the 2013 class. Fitzgerald is a very skilled utility player for his high school and Omaha FC team. He’s crafty on the ball and has an excellent feel for the game.

Alex Prusa (Signed) photo courtesy of: Omaha FC

Michael Kluver (Signed) photo courtesy of: Omaha FC

Brock Fitzgerald (Signed) photo courtesy of: Omaha FC

Creighton will also add Minnesota defender Ben Bakke from the Minnesota Thunder program. Bakke can play either RB or Central defender. He’s great in the air.

Alfred Koroma (Offered) photo courtesy of: US Soccer

Creighton is also looking into adding one or two impact transfers. Unlike basketball, a soccer transfer does not have to sit out a year, and can play right away. Creighton is hot on the trial of ex-Akron and US U17 striker Alfred Koroma. Koroma is a sure-fire pro-prospect. He has an incredibly developed frame and is one of the nation’s fastest players. Along with size and speed Koroma has a powerful left foot that Creighton fans saw first hand when he scored against the Jays for Akron last August. Koroma struggled with minor injuries and illnesses that kept him from reaching his goals at Akron. Getting Koroma in a Jays uniform would vault Creighton right back on top as one of the favorites for a national title in 2013.