FAIRFIELD, Conn. – With two MAAC regular season titles and a NCAA tournament bid in hand over the last three seasons, Head Coach Carl Rees replenished his roster with a group of talented newcomers who look to step into the program and make an immediate contribution to the men's soccer legacy.
 
              Rees will supplement his returning student-athletes with a solid class that will add depth to several positions on the pitch. Thomas Drillien will support the squad up front at the forward position, while James Anderson will challenge for time in the Stags goal. Joseph Stocchetti, Mahfouz Soumare, and Alex Oliveira will challenge for time in the midfield.
 
              "Overall, we feel that this is one of the most complete and balanced squads we have ever had," Rees said. "This coupled with the momentum and drive that the collective has established since the end of last season equates to optimism regarding the future."
 
              Drillien adds his name to a list of talented New Zealand natives who have chosen Fairfield University to continue their education. The forward offers much experience to the Stags' coaching staff, serving as a member of the New Zealand under 20 training squad for the 2021 World Cup. He was part of several successful groups including three National Youth League championships as well as a National Secondary Schools Runner Up berth in 2019.
 
              "Thomas will provide a focal point to our attack," Rees said. "He can play with his back to the goal and link midfield with attack, bringing in other players with his experience and intelligence. He can also finish."
 
              Anderson joins the men's soccer program after gaining success both locally and regionally. His experience came as a member of the ODP Region 1 team for U13 and U14 athletes. He played three years within the Development Academy League (U15 and U17-19), starting 51 appearances during those seasons.
 
              "James is technically and tactically a well-rounded goalkeeper," Associate Head Coach and Goalkeeper Coach Jaiver Decima said. "He will challenge for a starting position as a freshman. After seeing him multiple times, we believe he is someone who has what it takes to play at this level."
 
              Stocchetti competed for four seasons with St. Joan of Arc High School where the Ontario native was decorated with Coaches Award and the team's MVP award for his performance in addition to being named team captain in 2019. Stocchetti also was regarded as a member of Vaughan S.C., serving his teammates as a team captain for multiple seasons. He was heralded as the team's MVP as well as the Best Midfielder award with Vaughan S.C. Stocchetti was part of the 2019 CSL Cup championship and York Region Athletic Association (YRAA) Championship teams.
 
              "Jo is a technical, hard-working mobile midfield player that can provide us flexibility and mobility in the middle third of the field," Rees said. "He also has demonstrated that he can score goals."
 
              Soumare also was a key member of several championship teams as a member of the Downtown United Soccer Club. He played and assisted his team go unbeaten in State Cup play in addition to both the Manhattan and Potomac Tournaments during his senior season. Prior to his stint with Downtown United, Soumare competed as a member of the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club.
 
              "Mahfouz is a throwback tricky winger with pace and creativity," Rees said. "He can play left or right in attack and brings enthusiasm and offers us something different than in recent years."
 
              Oliveira wore the St. Benedict's Prep kit before arriving at Fairfield, helping the program capture the number one spot in Top Drawer Soccer's season-ending national poll. St. Benedict's extended its program unbeaten streak to 57 games during Oliveira's tenure as the midfielder helped the cause with eight goals and five assists for 21 points as a senior. He also competed as a member of Cedar Stars Academy in Newark from 2017-19.
             
              "Alex comes from a historically successful team at St. Benedict's," Rees said. "Year in and year out, they produce the highest caliber players. This shines through in Alex. I like his passion and understanding of the game. He can finish in front of the goal."