The photo to the right is 2014 signee Jonathan Jarrett
SANTA ,CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University's men's soccer head coach Cameron Rast announced Monday three high school seniors have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Santa Clara University and will play for the Broncos in 2014. In addition, the Broncos welcomed two transfers this winter in Alfred Edmonds and Benjamin Kucera. Edmonds comes to SCU after two years at Belmont University. Kucera was at Creighton University for two seasons as well.
The Broncos 2014 class includes Satoshi Chaffin (Puyallup, Wash.), Carlos Delgadillo (San Jose, Calif.) and Jonathan Jarrett (Atlanta, Ga.).
"Our 2014 recruiting class has five guys that are committed to our vision on being back on the national stage," said Rast. "We have added some dangerous and dynamic players in the attack and brought in some experience and depth in the defense. There are still one or two surprises we are working on as well. In all, the class fits exactly what we need to take on the tough schedule we have set before them."
Edmonds, a 5-4 defender from San Jose, Calif., started 18 games for the Bruins last season. He scored six goals with two assists on 33 shots. He also made two game-winning goals in Belmont's 1-0 win over Cleveland State and the Bruin's 1-0 win over Buffalo. His freshman year he started all 16 contests. He recorded two assists and had 11 shots (two on goal). He graduated in 2012 from Bellarmine and played for De Anza Force USDA.
Rast is pleased to welcome Edmonds back to the Bay Area after recruiting him out of high school. "For two years he impacted his team at the college level so his contribution to our group next year should be immediate," added Rast. "There is never a moment on the field when Alfie isn't looking to impact the game. The biggest question will be in what role will he fit best."
Kucera, a 6-3 defender from Burr Ridge, Ill., transfers after two years at Creighton University. His club team, Chicago Fire PDL, claimed the U-19 state and regional championships prior to his freshman year of college.
"Ben is a center back with a couple years college experience. He will add more size to the defense and has shown some good ability to take charge. From what I have seen he is a tough, no nonsense center back with a good sense of how to play. Adapting to our style will become important when he starts with us this spring, something we look forward to."
BIOS ON THE FRESHMAN SIGNEES
Satoshi "Yoshi" Chaffin
Position: Wing
Hometown: Puyallup, Wash.
High School: Governor John Rogers High School in Puyallup, Wash.
Club Team: Seattle Sounders
Parents: Russell and Junko Chaffin
Coach Rast on Chaffin: "Yoshi, as he goes by, is a dynamic slashing player. He has a knack for getting behind players with the ball. There is a way he glides past guys that makes him fun to watch. Adding him to the attack will make it difficult for opponents to contain our group of forwards. The best part is he can not only set guys up to score but can finish a well."
Why Chaffin Chose Santa Clara: "I chose Santa Clara because the campus size was perfect for me. I felt like I was going to be able to get around campus pretty easily and interact with the teachers. I wanted to go to a school that also had a great soccer program and excellent academics, which Santa Clara has both. It gives me the chance to not only play soccer for a great program but it also keeps me close to home in Washington. I also fell in love with the training facilities and Buck Shaw Stadium."
- U-13 Washington State Champion with Washington Premier FC.
- Appeared in the Far West Regional Championship in 2010 and '11 for Washington Premier FC. Played in the Manchester United Premier Cup for Crossfire Pre-Academy in 2012.
- Appeared in the USSDA playoffs for Crossfire Premier Academy U-16 in 2013.
- Team Captain for Crossfire Premier Academy for U-16 for the 2012-2013 season and leading goal scorer with 16 goals.
- Started every single game in first two seasons in the USSDA with Crossfire Academy as Forward/Midfield with a combined total of 22 goals.
- Played in 3 games with the Seattle Sounders FC Reserve Team as a winger.
- Born in Ebina-Shi, Kanagawa-Ken, Japan
- Will work on a degree in Arts and Science and career goal is to one day become a professional soccer player in the MLS or one of the European Leagues.
Carlos Delgadillo
Position: Forward
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
High School: Andrew P. Hill High School in San Jose, Calif.
Club Team: De Anza Force
Parents: Alberto Delgadillo and Bianca Aguirre
Coach Rast on Delgadillo: "Carlos is a rare player, he is a true goal scorer. He can combine with teammates to goal or break players down on the dribble. When he gets a chance in front of goal he is clinical. He is able to hold the ball allowing players to join him in the attack. He will make our team more dangerous the moment he steps on the field."
Why Delgadillo Chose Santa Clara: "I chose SCU because of the fact that it's close to home. I get a chance to study and also get to see my parents when I can. I believe Santa Clara is going to help me be a leader on and off the field."
- Played two years of high school soccer where he helped them advance from C level to B level
- One of the top forwards in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy
- Helped lead the De Anza Force to the Academy Finals in early MarcH
Jonathan Jarrett
Position: Wing
Hometown: Lilburn, Ga.
High School: Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga.
Club Team: Concorde Fire
Parents: Son of Peter and Annette Jarrett
Coach Rast on Jarrett: "Jonathan comes from Concorde Fire which is a club known for their athleticism and wide-open style. Jonathan is able to press you to win the ball in one moment of the game and run at you in attack in the next moment. He is strong and powerful and always looking to play hard for his team. His style will add a great element to our team."
Why Jarrett Chose Santa Clara: "Santa Clara is the perfect mix of academics, athletics, and location. The program at Santa Clara has a history of attending the NCAA tournament while providing an outstanding education. On my visit to Santa Clara, I really felt comfortable with the coaching staff and the entire Broncos community. I felt right at home."
- Led high school team to the Final Four twice as well as being All-District and All-State
- Top Goal scorer and most assists two seasons
- Named to the US Youth Soccer (2011) All Star ODP Team
- Three-time international event participation
- 2011 Region III trip to Costa Rica (Captain)
- 2010 Region III trip to Costa Rica
- 2009 Region III trip to Mexico
- Two-time participant in the Inter-Regional event (2009 - 2010)
- Three-time member of Region III ODP team (2008 - 2010)
- 2014 Boys IMG Academy 150 Player Pool
- Member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, Mu alpha Theta, National Spanish Society, History Club, Student Council, Student Government-Secretary, Intern-Fowler Law Firm, LLC, Top 15 %, Honor Graduate and the Parkview Literary Magazine
- Will major in Political Science and career goal is to go to law school
The Broncos have a storied soccer tradition, qualifying for 19 NCAA College Cup Tournaments. SCU advanced to the 2006 NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight and the Sweet 16 in 2007. Rast has led the Broncos to a 136-73-40 record during his tenure as head coach.