NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY – Niagara men's soccer head coach
Bill Boyle has announced the addition of 15 newcomers to the program for the upcoming 2023 season. The class includes eight transfer students and seven true freshman.
"This recruiting class is an exciting group of 15 new guys that will help us stay on course as we compete for a MAAC Championship", said Boyle. "This year brings an additional level of excitement with the culture being set by our returning student-athletes and the talent level of this class at every position. We are excited to watch this group grow as student-athletes and as young men."
The Freshman:
Gianluca Del Priore
Midfielder • 5-9 • 160
St. Catharine's, Ontario • St. Francis
Quick Profile: Del Priore joins the Purple Eagles from St. Catherine's, Ontario where he attended St. Francis High School where he was named to the NCDSB Division All-Star team. The midfielder played club soccer for Empire Niagara, where he helped his teams earn multiple championship appearances and titles, while earning first-team honors for his play on the pitch.
In the Classroom: Was an honor roll student in high school…plans to study computer science…
Off the Pitch: Parents are Emily and Giovanni…has an older sibling named Alexia…enjoys board games
Why Niagara: "I choose Niagara because of the family feeling coach Boyle and coach Hesch build the team around. You can tell they want to win as a group and every guy is important whether you play 90 every game or watch from the sideline. It is a big honour to play at Niagara and I will give my all to help the team in anyway."
Alex Matin
Midfield • 5-10 • 180
Los Angeles, CA • Palisades Charter
Quick Profile: Matin completed his senior season at Palisades Charter High School in Los Angeles, Cali., with three goals and eight assists. In his final season of club soccer with Eture FC, Matin recorded eight goals and 13 assists.
In the Classroom: Undecided on major
Off the Pitch: Parents are Parvaneh Bahmani and Kamran Matin…has a sibling named Jasmine…enjoys fishing and hiking with friends
Why Niagara: "I chose Niagara because of the great soccer program but also the amazing campus and academics."
Piercarlo Arghittu
Forward • 5-7 • 135
Thorold, Ontario, Canada • Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf
Quick Profile: Arghittu arrives to Monteagle Ridge from Thorold, Ontario where he attended Saint-Jean-de-Brebuef and played club soccer for Toronto FC Academy. In 2019, Arghittu helped lead his club team to the BMO Champions Cup.
In the Classroom: Four-year member of the Honor Roll…plans to study political science
Off the Pitch: Parents are Carlo & Marlene Arghittu…has two siblings, Manuela and Gianluca…related to Carlo Arghittu, who played at Brock University and played professional soccer for 20 seasons…can play the piano
Why Niagara: "Niagara University is a fantastic university both academically and athletically. I want to be a contributing member to Niagara's success in the coming years both on and off the field."
Daniel Fiegel II
Goalkeeper • 6-0 • 165
Lockport, NY • Lockport
Quick Profile: Fiegel is one of two WNY natives joining the Purple Eagles in 2023. The goalkeeper was named team MVP for his senior season at Lockport and was a ECNL Player to Watch.
In the Classroom: Scholar Athlete…High Honor Roll…NYS DECA Champion…plans to study finance
Off the Pitch: Mother is Michelle Carson…has a younger sister named Taylor…likes to read, go on walks, workout, cook, and travel.
Why Niagara: "I chose Niagara for the excellent Finance program, phenomenal men's soccer program, and Niagara being close to my hometown. I also appreciate the smaller class sizes."
Dominic Cintra
Forward • 6-1 • 195
Toronto, Ontario • Forest Hill Colligate Institute
Quick Profile: Cintra is a striker from Toronto, Ontario where he attended Forest Hill Colligate where he was the team's top goal scorer in 2022. He also played club soccer for North York Academy where he finished his career as the programs all-time leader in goals scored.
In the Classroom: Undecided on major
Off the Pitch: Parents are Rachel & Joao…has two younger siblings named Filip and Maya…plays Minecraft during his free time
Why Niagara: "I liked the university and the soccer program."
Luca Buscaglia
Back • 5-9 • 155
East Amherst, NY • Williamsville East
Quick Profile: A Western New York native who was a four-year starter and two year captain at Williamsville East where he tallied 41 goals and 48 assists. Buscaglia was a four-time All-ECIC First Team, and three-time All-WNY selection, while also earning United States Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award in 2022. Played club soccer for WNY Flash.
In the Classroom: Recipient of the Ronald Reagan President Award…Scholar Athlete… Co-Chairs -- Principals Advisorship…member of National Honor Society…plans to study accounting
Off the Pitch: Parents are Margaret and Joseph Buscaglia…has three siblings, Trey, Isabella, and Nicholas…his father Joe (Syracuse – Gymnastics), aunt Kara (Cornell – Gymnastics), uncle Frank (UB – Soccer), and brother Trey (Daemen – Soccer) all played at the collegiate level
Why Niagara: "Wanted to stay close to home and it had everything I was looking for in a school."
Thomas Brooks
M • 6-2 • 195
Niagara Falls, ONT • Saint Paul Catholic
Quick Profile: Brooks attended Saint Paul Catholic High School and played club soccer for Rochester NY FC MLS Next.
In the Classroom: Ontario Scholar Award...pursuing a degree in business
Off the Pitch: Parents are Donna Lyn and Michael Brooks...has a sister named Katelyn...enjoys listening to music
Why Niagara: "The campus is very nice and the perfect size for me and fit my needs in the classroom and on the field."
The Transfers:
Felix Kogler
F • 6-3 • 195
Klagenfurt, Austria • Westcliff (NAIA)
Quick Profile: Kogler is a junior transfer from Westcliff University in Irvine, Calif. As a member of the Warriors, Kogler 19 goals and nine assists in 37 career games, including 25 starts. In 2022, he recorded 12 goals and six helpers en route to being named to the All-Cal Pac Second Team.
In the Classroom: Undecided on major
Off the Pitch: Parents are Ute and Walter Kogler…has a brother named Alexander…his father and brother both played professional soccer…
Why Niagara: "Because it offers me the perfect environment to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional soccer player and provides an excellent education."
Mick Bastiaenen
Back • 6-4 • 197
Haarlem, Noord-Holland, Netherlands • Monroe Community College (NJCAA)
Quick Profile: Bastiaenen played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Monroe Community College where he started all 23 games played while recording a pair of goals and assists. In 2023 he helped lead the Tribunes to the NJCAA East District DI Men's Soccer Semifinal and was named to the All-WNY Athletic Conference XI.
In the Classroom: Plans to study business management
Off the Pitch: Parents are Edwin Struis and Karin Bastiaenen…has a brother named Bobby…enjoys reading, writing and music.
Why Niagara: "The school's excellent academics and their high level of soccer. This is the perfect fit."
Lucas Fenton
Midfield • 5-10 • 160
Kinross, Scotland • Genesse Community College (NJCAA)
Quick Profile: Fenton played in 33 games as a member of the GCC men's soccer program, including 22 starts. In his two-year tenure the midfielder recorded three assists, including a career-high two as a freshman. He helped lead GCC to a pair of regional and conference championships. He was team captain during the 2022 season and named to the NJCAA All-Region Team and UPSL Team of the Week.
In the Classroom: Presidents list at GCC…NJCAA All-Academic…Plans to major in business.
Off the Pitch: Parents are Scott and Rosalinda…has two younger brothers Austin and Gregor
Why Niagara: "Strong DI program and I like living in upstate NY, good academics."
David Indra
Goalkeeper • 6-1 • 190
Frauenfeld, Switzerland • Monroe Community College (NJCAA)
Quick Profile: Indra compiled nearly 1400 minutes in goal for the Tribunes over the last two seasons. The Sweedish netminder tallied 98 saves with a 1.80 goals against average and .778 save percentage in his career. Last season, Indra stopped 63 shots and two clean sheets. Was named WNYAC All-Conference and team MVP in 2022.
In the Classroom: Plans to pursue a degree in sports management
Off the Pitch: Parents are Paul and Nicole…has a sibling named Jonas
Why Niagara: "It is an amazing school and soccer program. I met a lot of very friendly people here and I'm sure we will achieve great things together with the team."
Matheus Spina
Midfield • 5-7 • 140
Sorocaba, Brazil • Genesse Community College (NJCAA)
Quick Profile: Played in 36 games at Genesse, including 31 appearances in the starting XI. Scored 37 goals and added 17 assists for 91 total points in two seasons. In 2022, Spina tallied 20 goals and 10 assists en route to being named an All-American, All-Region and All-Conference player. Helped Genesse to a regional and conference championship.
In the Classroom: Will enroll in Niagara's academic exploration program.
Off the Pitch: Parents are Andre and Juliana Spina…has a younger sibling named Lucas
Why Niagara: "I feel Niagara is going to be the perfect place for me to improve both on and off the pitch."
Juan Cardona
Midfield • 6-2 • 180
Cali, Colombia • Davis & Elkins (DII)
Quick Profile: In 2022, Cardona played six games for Davis & Elkins, a Division II program in West Virginia, scoring one goal against Concord, and played a season-high 39 minutes against West Liberty. In high school, Cardona played in 110 career games, recording 47 goals and 54 assists.
In the Classroom: Plans to pursue a degree in finance.
Off the Pitch: Parents are Juan Gerardo Cardona and María del Rosario Belalcázar…has one sibling, Juan Camilio…enjoys playing Fifa, listening to music, watching anime, and spending time with family.
Why Niagara: "I felt the soccer and academic program fit me perfectly."
Gerard Lopez Forner
F • 6-0 • 170
Silla, Spain • Presbyterian
Quick Profile: Played in 26 games at Presbyterian, recording four goals and three assists. Played in a career-high 1042 minutes in 2022 and finished second on the team in goals.
In the Classroom: Graduated with a degree in psychology and will pursue his masters in sport management
Off the Pitch: Parents are Herminia Forner Puig and Francisco Jose Lopez…has an older brother named Marco…Marco was a member of the 2022 NCAA DII National Champion Franklin & Pierce…enjoys, reading, writing and the gym
Why Niagara: "Niagara offers a great graduate sports management program, together with a soccer team that competes in the highest level. I think I can help Niagara improve on the field and Niagara can help me to take the next step both athletically and academically."
Giovanni Covelli
M • 5-11 • 175
Woodhaven, MI • Western Michigan
Quick Profile: Was a member of the Western Michigan team that won the 2022 MAC Championship and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Prior to college, Covelli played two seasons at the Michigan Wolves MLS Academy where he led the U19 team in goals. In his two seasons of varsity soccer, he led Woodhaven High School in assists.
In the Classroom: Was an honor roll student in high school...studying sport management
Off the Pitch: Parents are Benny and Kelly Covelli...has three siblings, Dominic, Angelo, and Benedetto...enjoys lifting and running in his free time
Why Niagara: "I loved the homey feeling I got when I visited, and I really liked Coach Boyle and the togetherness the team has. Everyone is competitive and wants to win games and that's what I want too."
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