By Ethan Ndachi (@EthanNdachi) – Content Editor | Freshmen Ryan Corcoran, Kazushi Shimada, Jose Avalos, Anthony Ettel and junior Jalen Scott versus Dominican University of California on Aug. 16 (Photo by Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Content Editor)
To fill the void left behind by the multiple major departures from the San Jose State men’s soccer squad at the end of the 2025 season, interim head coach Jesus Sanchez and associate coach Jamie Reid recruited a class of 12 new Spartans to reinforce the squad ahead of a new season in the Mountain West Conference.
Introductions are in order for these new faces who will look to develop at SJSU for the future.
Sophomore Ryan Corcoran – Striker
Towering at 6-foot-6, Corcoran earned eight starts in 19 appearances in both regular-season and conference play, tallying 14 goals and 2 assists. In the South Coast Conference, Corcoran was named Forward of the Year for his chart-topping goals. With Corcoran’s movement mixed with his frame and instinct, there is a lot to be excited about with this addition to the Spartan frontline.
Freshman Isac Enriquez – Center-back
Having been named an MLS NEXT All-Star captaining De Anza Force in 2024-25, “Sacky” Enriquez brings as much quality on the ball as off of it. The defender also played for MLS club Nashville SC’s U18 side before committing to SJSU. He looks to break lines with his passing, something Spartan defenders do often.
Starting games in preseason and in the Spartans’ opener against Santa Barbara, he seems to have the coaches’ trust going into the season. Despite being on the losing side in his debut, Enriquez impressed with his one-on-one tackling in his start against the Gauchos.
Freshman Santiago Baez – Defensive midfielder
Previously playing in the No. 10 attacking midfield role, Baez has recently shifted to a defensive-minded midfielder under coach Sanchez.
Baez looked like a calm presence on the ball in preseason against Dominican University of California and was willing to do the dirty work off of it. Baez is one of the three new Spartan recruits to come out of MLS NEXT club Silicon Valley Soccer Academy.
Freshman Lawson Mettee – Center-back
With experience at USL 2 club San Francisco Glens, Mettee looks to play smart and safe in and out of possession. He is able to progress the ball forward with passing as many SJSU defenders do and communicate with teammates often to organize the defense.
Freshman Kazushi Shimada – Full-back, midfielder
A flying fullback that can play on either side, Shimada is versatile and intelligent with his play. Shimada has an eye for set pieces, being able to float a pass into the opposing box or take a shot from range.
Originally hailing from Kawasaki, Japan, he had also competed with San Jose Earthquakes Academy U18 and MLS NEXT club Silicon Valley Soccer Academy.
Freshman Anthony Ettel – Attacking midfielder
Having played for VC Fusion’s MLS Next program, Ettel is a midfielder looking to play fast and make movements off the ball to create space for his teammates. Aside from close-control dribbling, he has a good shot in him and has the ability to score from distance. The Northridge native has already made an appearance off the bench this season against UC Santa Barbara, looking to make an impact in his first year.
Freshman Cutler Bauscher – Attacking midfielder
Bauscher is a dynamic No. 10 looking to score and create opportunities when he has the ball at his feet. His last season with ENCL regional league side Los Gatos United saw him collect 16 goals and 8 assists, which placed him on the ECNL Boys Northern Cal All-Conference Team for U18/19.
Sophomore Noah Moles Licata – Center-back
Hailing from Nangy, France, Licata is a composed center-back looking to bring stability to a Spartans backline that needs bolstering.
Coming from Switzerland’s Super League Lausanne Sport’s Academy, he further made his mark at Cabrillo College, starting all of his 16 appearances and scoring 2 goals. His time in Santa Cruz earned him First Team All-Conference in the Coast Conference North.
Junior Luis Evangelista – Goalkeeper
Having spent the last two years in Redwood City at Canada College, Evangelista became a mainstay for the Colts. He started 41 out of 42 games with an 82% save percentage and likes to play with the ball at his feet. He will be looking to compete with five-year SJSU veteran keeper Ronin Axelson.
Freshman Jose Avalos – Defensive midfielder
Avalos is a self-described “warrior,” liking to break up plays whenever he can and chase down the opposition. When he’s on the ball, he looks to find options going forward with long passes.
He is the last of the Spartan recruits to come out of MLS Next club Silicon Valley Soccer Academy in 2026.
Freshman Andrew Tinio – Attacking midfield, winger
Tinio’s background with the U.S. Youth National Futsal Team means he’s always looking to play with technicality and a bit of flair; expect him to look comfortable in tight spaces when he’s on the ball.
He previously played for U17 MLS Next side Ballistic United Soccer Club in his hometown of Pleasanton, California.
Freshman Liam Towner – Goalkeeper
Made in San Jose with experience at MLS NEXT club Bay Area Surf, Towner will add to the depth of Spartan keepers for the future. Towner looks to be a steady presence in goal with his shot-stopping in key moments as well as playing collected and confident with the ball at his feet.
The recruits will look to be involved in SJSU’s next matchup against Cal Poly at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Mustang Memorial Field in San Luis Obispo, California.
