Harvard Men’s Soccer Welcomes a Stellar Class of 2029: Meet the Nine New Talents!

Harvard Men’s Soccer Welcomes New Talent: The Class of 2029

Harvard University men’s soccer is excited to announce the addition of nine first-year players for the 2025 season. Head Coach Josh Shapiro revealed this promising new talent, set to enrich the team’s roster.

The incoming group brings a mix of local and international players, hailing from California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Brazil, and Ukraine. Among them are four forwards, three defenders, one midfielder, and a goalkeeper. Each athlete has impressive experience, having played for top clubs in their regions.

New Players Overview

1. Lucas Benuce Sarvas (Midfielder, São Paulo, Brazil)

   • Lucas has a solid foundation in soccer, having played with the LA Galaxy Academy and the Colorado Rapids Academy. He comes from a soccer family; his father, Marcelo Sarvas, enjoyed a successful professional career.

2. Jason Broome (Goalkeeper, Owings Mills, Md.)

   • Jason shone as a standout goalkeeper, earning multiple All-State honors and leading his team with impressive shutouts. His family members also participated in college sports, showcasing a deep-rooted athletic tradition.

3. Michael Cortellessa (Defender, San Jose, Calif.)

   • Michael captained his U16 team and has experience with the U.S. youth national teams. He balances sports with academic achievements, being a National Honor Society student.

4. Drew Lobley (Winger, Hagerstown, Md.)

   • Drew shattered school records for goals and assists. His hard work paid off, leading his high school to its first regional championship.

5. Sophian Lovato (Winger, Milan, Italy)

   • With accolades at both Marin Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy, Sophian’s impressive scoring stats have caught the attention of scouts. He also trained with clubs in Germany and Italy.

6. Maxwell Mobray (Defender, Washingtonville, N.Y.)

   • Maxwell recently joined the Bermuda National Team program and earned various All-Star recognitions in high school, showcasing his strong defensive skills.

7. Alejandro Palacio (Defender, North Andover, Mass.)

   • Alejandro played crucial roles in leading his high school team to ISL titles while achieving personal accolades along the way. His strong academic performance complements his athletic abilities.

8. Adam Poliakov (Midfielder, Kiev, Ukraine)

   • Adam captained his club team in England, receiving awards for outstanding sporting achievement at King’s College School. His diverse interests range from sports to music.
9. Christo Velikin (Forward, Boston, Mass.)
   • Christo has a remarkable background in both soccer and skiing. As a top scorer for multiple teams, he has demonstrated versatility and competitiveness.

Team Outlook

This new crop of athletes joins a Harvard team that has consistently performed well in the Ivy League, finishing in the top half for the last four seasons. Each new recruit brings unique skills and experiences that will contribute to the team’s growth and success.

With diverse talent and backgrounds, the Class of 2029 adds considerable strength to Harvard Men’s Soccer. This initiative not only enhances Harvard’s athletic program but also reflects a commitment to fostering young talent from various regions.

For those interested in learning more about Harvard’s soccer program or the incoming class, visit the Harvard Athletics website.

In remarkable findings, studies show that college athletes tend to excel in both academics and sports, highlighting the holistic benefits of participating in collegiate sports programs. As these young athletes adapt to their new environment, it will be interesting to watch their journey unfold.

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