Men's Soccer Announces 2023 Transfer Class

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville men's soccer program is thrilled to welcome the addition of eight transfer student-athletes to finish the roster prior to the 2023 season. As seen in recent recruiting classes, the men's soccer staff, Mick Giordano, Joe LaCasto and Ronnie Hreha have continued to elevate and diversify the roster with this class adding five international student-athletes on top of three domestic recruits spanning from Arizona, Mississippi, and North Carolina.

"What excites our staff most about this group of young men is their determination to come to Asheville and immediately affect all aspects for the sole reason of creating a winning program," said Giordano. "With the continued increase in quality and influx of talent of both coaches and players to the Big South, we knew the demands needed in recruiting. The Big South will be arduous which means we needed individuals immediately up for that challenge. These eight student-athletes bring intangibles and will have a positive impact to our program from the start; but most importantly, each one is a winner. They bring a vast range of knowledge on what it takes to be a winner at the collegiate level through their previous experiences. Our staff and program have added eight outstanding humans that love the grind, will add to our culture and believe in our brand of football."

"Once more, thank you so much to the staff (Joe and Ronnie) for all of their efforts. I want to express an utmost gratitude towards Joe for all the work he has put into this group of transfers. The amount of effort to identify, speak to and sign eight top-end transfers in limited time is more than many realize. It truly is exceptional what he has done. We would not have signed one of the best classes in program history without his insight, connections, and diligence in recruiting. His dedication to our program continues to motivate and energize everyone on our path to dream bigger and achieve more."

Sergio Báguena | Forward | Junior | Bethel University (TN) | Alicante, Spain
• Has played in 52 games with 27 starts, 23 goals & two assists at Bethel
• Had 11 goals, one assist in 2022 season
• 2022 Daktronics NAIA Men's Soccer Scholar Athlete
• 2022 Mid-South Academic All-Conference
• 2022 Mid-South Second Team All-Conference
• Summer 2023 with FC Carolinas of USL2

From Coach LaCasto: "Sergio is a player we are very excited to be adding to our program. He is a proven goal scorer both at the collegiate and USL 2 level. Sergio can play in a variety of positions and is always an attacking threat. On top of this his character and passion for the game really stand out to our staff. We are very excited for him to get on campus in August."

Miller Hayden | Defender/Midfielder | Junior | Mississippi Gulf Coast JC/UAB | Hattiesburg, MS
• Started first four games of the season for MGCCC before season ending injury
• Two goals, two assists in the first four games
• Help Southern States Soccer Club to the NPSL Conference Finals Summer 2022
• Club Player of the Year Southern States Soccer Club and Alabama FC
• Offensive MVP in Mississippi High School All Star Game 2021

From Coach Giordano: "Miller is a player we feel extremely fortunate to add. He adds pace, power, and sheer determination every time he steps on the field. He adds the versatility to play in multiple positions which allows the group to have a different look and be dangerous in numerous ways. He's a hard-nosed, blue-collar human that will do wonders for us on and off the field."

Viðar Ragnarsson | Defender | Sophomore | Presbyterian College | Reykjanesbær, Iceland
• Started 12 of the 14 games played as a freshman at PC
• Earned Big South Freshman of the Week and College Soccer News National Team of the Week honors
• Former Njarðvík Player of the Year and National Player of the Week in Iceland

From Coach Giordano: "Viðar is one we were able to see firsthand last Fall as he helped Presbyterian to a ten-win season and 8 shutouts. His ability on the ball is second to none! He is a solid 1v1 defender but most importantly fits the system and style of how we are trying to play. We loved his mentality and passion for football which only steads well for our program as he brings this to our group."

Emilio Figueroa | Defender | Junior | Davis & Elkins College | Naucalpan, Estado de México
• Has played in 21 games while at D&E
• 2022 NCAA Sweet 16 Appearance
• 2021 Undefeated Regular Season, MEC Regular Season Champions, NCAA Sweet 16 Appearance
• Third División Group I Champions Mexico

From Coach LaCasto: "Emilio is coming to UNCA from one of the best and most respected programs in all of Division 2. His former head coach is known for only recruiting the best. He is a hard-nosed center defender who will immediately add some grit and toughness to our back line. Emilio will also bring a winning mentality and NCAA tournament experience with him."

Benian Yao | Defender | Junior | Viterbo University | Weddington, NC
• Has played in 35 games with 36 starts, eight goals & two assists at Viterbo
• 2022 CAC All-Conference
• 2022 CAC All-Tournament Team
• 2022 Viterbo Player of the Year
• Captain of Viterbo College 2022
• Advanced to the NAIA National Tournament both in 2021 and 2022

From Coach LaCasto: "Benian is a versatile defender coming from a top NAIA program. Not only is he an athletic and gritty defender but he also possesses a lot of ability going forward as shown by his scoring record. He knows how to win and has been a part of a big turnaround throughout his time at Viterbo."

Pablo Obrador | Midfielder | Sophomore | Coastal Carolina | Talca Chile
• Played in six games as a freshman while at Coastal Carolina
• Played for nationally known Block Rock FC
• Attended high school powerhouse the Northwood School (Lake Placid, NY) senior year
• Played with Universidad Catlica, U16-U18

From Coach Giordano: "We are excited to add Pablo to our group and think he will come in to help out right away both on and off the field. His character and personality really stood out the more we got to know him. As well, his ability to play multiple positions will be impactful. He fits our brand perfectly and brings another diverse outlook that again will help elevate our program."

Aysa Hamid | Forward | Sophomore | UNC Wilmington | Scottsdale, AZ
• Played in 15 games as a freshman while at UNCW
• 2022 ECNL National Finals with RSL Arizona
• State finalist with Chaparral High School, scored 79 goals in 80 games, Three-time Team MVP, Three-time All-State

From Coach Giordano: "Aysa comes to us after contributing at a top 40 program. He is a pure grafter and blue-collar. Add to that his ability to create for himself and his teammates has our staff fortunate to be adding him to our group for the Fall. His positive mentality will rub off within our group immediately."

Edvin Grolimund | Midfielder | Junior | Cardinal Stritch University | Arlesheim, BL, Switzerland
• Has played in 35 games with 34 starts, seven goals & seven assists – played 3,098 minutes in two seasons
• 2022 CCAC First team All-Conference
• 2022 Captain of Cardinal Stritch University
• Advanced to the NAIA National Tournament in 2022
• Deans List four times (every semester in college)
• Grew up in historic FC Basel Academy

From Coach LaCasto: "Edvin is a truly exciting player who comes from a good NAIA program and a top European academy. What is most exciting is his leadership and understanding of the game which leads to him being able play in a variety of positions and systems. We are very excited about Edvin and know he will only add to our already strong midfield group."

Men's Soccer Announces 2023 Transfer Class

Players Mentioned

Emilio Figueroa

Edvin Grolimund

Aysa Hamid

Miller Hayden

Pablo Obrador Ibáñez

Benian Yao

University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics