PHILADELPHIA – The summer wasn't a break for many from the University of Pennsylvania men's soccer program, as more than 20 returners and newcomers alike played in leagues all around the country, with some even taking their talents overseas.
Penn players on the 2022 roster were represented in USL League Two (USL2), National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), MLS Next, Elite Club National League (ECNL), as well as the Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem, Israel.
Among those playing in USL2 were Leo Burney and Charlie Gaffney (Ballard FC), Tommy Altirs (Cedar Stars Rush), Nick Christoffersen (Vermont Green FC), Mattias Hanchard (Philadelphia Lone Star), Stas Korzeniowski (Real Central NJ), Krystian Kresso (Chicago FC United), Aaron Messer (North Carolina FC u23), Ben Stitz (Christos FC), Michael TeDuits (Boston Bolts).
Burney and Gaffney's Ballard squad made the postseason, advancing to the quarterfinal; Gaffney registered seven points (2G, 3A) during the regular season, adding another goal in a postseason win. Burney was third on the team in minutes played during the regular season and played every minute in the team's three postseason matches. Stitz led the entire league in assists (12) and was second in goals (15). Burney, Stitz, and Korzeniowski were all recognized as Top 40 prospects by the league.
Among Quakers in the NPSL, Brandon Curran played with the Philadelphia Ukranian Nationals, Jack Rosener was a member of North Virginia United, and Michael Hewes, Isaac McGinnis and Nick Schimbeno all dressed for Westchester FC. All three of those teams made the NPSL postseason.
Elsewhere, Josh Negrete competed in MLS Next u23 for Met Oval, while Alex Kades and Jacob Muchnick both partook in the Men's Open Division at the Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem, leading their team to a Finals appearance.
Four incoming freshmen also found success this Summer. Sean Jennings (FC Delco), Erick Sakalosky (Tampa Bay United), and Oliver Pratt (Kendall SC) all made the MLS Next playoffs with their respective teams, with each advancing to at least the quarterfinal round. Gavin Seele, playing with Penn Fusion SA in the ECNL, also reached the postseason.
The Quakers will kick off their season this Friday, Sept. 2, at home against Rider before beginning a stretch of four straight road matches featuring contests against UAlbany and Mount St. Mary's (Md.).
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