Following a devastating one-goal defeat by Drexel University in the CAA Quarterfinals last season, the Northeastern men’s soccer team graduated six players and saw five others depart for a variety of reasons. The team took hits up and down the pitch, losing four forwards, three midfielders, two defenders and two goalkeepers. As a result, the Huskies spent the summer reorganizing and rebuilding their squad.
Northeastern brought on two forwards, two midfielders, four defenders and a goalkeeper to replace the bodies they lost.
With nine new players of varying ages and positions, the Huskies look to strengthen their play and advance to the Semifinals round for the first time since 2014. Here’s a look at the nine Huskies joining this year’s lineup.
Gus Mendieta
Gus Mendieta, a Charlotte, North Carolina native, joined the Husky troop after a wildly successful senior season at Carmel Christian School. In his final season at Carmel Christian, Mendieta set a school record by scoring five goals in one game. The 5-foot-10-inch freshman defender earned three varsity letters, scoring 13 goals and eight assists throughout his high school career. Mendieta also played two seasons with Queen City Mutiny U19 squad — an MLS NEXT program — scoring four goals in his MLS NEXT career. His father, Steven Mendieta, was a goalkeeper for UNC Chapel Hill and co-founder of Queen City Mutiny.
Thomas Vold
One of two Norwegian additions to the 2023 Huskies, Thomas Vold is a 6-foot-tall defender. Originally from Høvik, Norway, the 21-year-old freshman comes to Boston from the newly promoted club Stabæk, a team in Norway’s primary soccer league, Eliteserien. Though Vold originally played on the Academy level, his speed and versatility proved him fit for Stabæk II in the men’s third division and, eventually, for the main troop.
Neil Devnani
Neil Devnani is a 5-foot-9-inch midfielder from Los Altos, California known for his high soccer IQ. The first recruit of the 2023 class, Devnani spent five years playing for the Silicon Valley Soccer Academy and De Anza Force in the Elite Clubs National League while attending Los Altos High School. In his final season with SVSA, Devnani averaged 77 minutes per appearance.
“I think that Coach Weinrebe has put a really talented group together for this season and our results should show that. I think everyone is super excited for the season.”
Mathias Hille
A versatile athlete who plays both defense and midfield, Mathias Hille is a 19-year-old freshman on this year’s team. Originally from Tanus, Germany, the 6-foot-1-inch footballer most recently played with FC Eddersheim in Hattersheim am Main, Hesse, Germany, appearing in 37 games and making full 90-minute efforts in 34. In 2022, Hille helped Eddersheim to 10 shutouts and even earned Player of the Year honors for his efforts as a centerback.
Kade Tepe
Kade Tepe, a sophomore, joined Northeastern’s roster as a transfer from Indiana University — Purdue University of Indianapolis (DI), or IUPUI. Before playing in his rookie season at IUPUI, the Oregonia, Ohio native had already developed a long list of accolades that includes stints with FC Cincinnati (MLS Academy), the Indy Eleven (USL Academy) and the Mexican National Team. At IUPUI last season, Tepe, a midfielder and defender, led his team in minutes, playing in all 20 of the Jaguars’ matches.
“When I entered the transfer program, I spoke to many schools, but none stuck out like Northeastern. I was amazed with the coaching staff and the potential this team had.
Ethan Franco
After two years at Colby College (DIII) in Waterville, Maine, Ethan Franco transferred to Northeastern for his junior season. Franco, a 5-foot-8-inch forward, averaged almost 62 minutes per appearance with the Mules and, in his sophomore year, was ranked second on the team in goals. For his impressive eight-goal, two-assist performance, Franco earned NESCAC Rookie of the Year and All-Conference honors.
“I am extremely excited to join the program. As a transfer, I wanted to go to a school that was as good academically as they are athletically … I wanted to be a part of a team that wants to play good soccer and a program that has high aspirations and goals.”
Gregor Shaw
Gregor Shaw joined the goalkeeping tandem of redshirt senior Colby Hegarty and senior Owen Kempton for the 2023 campaign. One of three graduate student additions, Shaw came out of East Sussex, England, where he played for Eastbourne Borough FC, a club in the sixth tier of English football. In 2021, the 6-foot-3 keeper posted a 90-minute shutout against Saltdean United.
Kevin Ogudugu
Another graduate student, Kevin Ogudugu arrived at Northeastern as a transfer from the University of Virginia (DI), where he played in 21 games over two seasons. In addition to his time as a Cavalier, the forward from Oslo, Norway, spent one year on the University of Portland’s (DI) squad and, as a dual citizen of Norway and Nigeria, was called up to the Nigerian U20 National Team Camp. A mature player with almost 1,600 minutes of college experience, Ogudugu is expected to increase the Huskies’ scoring chances.
Lucas Barankiewicz
Lucas Baran, a graduate transfer from the University of West Florida (DIII), is a backline defender from Minas Gerais, Brazil. In his career at West Florida, the 6-foot-2-inch Baran helped the Argonauts to 17 shutouts, lifted his team to a Gulf South Conference title and earned a spot on the GSC All-Tournament Team. In his 45 games at West Florida, the Argonauts went 32-8-5.
Undeterred by last season’s ill-timed quarterfinals loss, the Huskies are eager to earn a CAA title. Their appearance in the 2022 conference contest was their second in a row and fourth in the last five campaigns. Despite wanting better than their 6-9-3 record, the 2022 Huskies were outscored just 22-21 across their 18 games, and each of their nine losses were determined by a single goal.
By adding four freshmen, one sophomore, one junior and three graduate students to the roster, Northeastern is not only building on the skill they had, but preparing a legacy of strength and talent for years to come.
