BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — The LIU men's soccer team reports for the fall season in less than six weeks. And a talented set of freshmen recruited by head coach Michael Mordocco is set to bolster last year's Northeast Conference postseason squad.

Mordocco on Monday announced the signing of eight freshman newcomers for the 2023 season: Christian Blank, Maurits Brouwer, Jordan Foss, Gianluca Justincic, Hugo Rodriguez, Joshua Saavedra, Jeffrey Vanegas and Londell Wheeler.
 
Blank, midfielder/defender, captained Sachem High School during his senior season and was twice named all-county and team MVP. He also played with NYCFC's developmental academy.
 
Brouwer, a midfielder, has spent the bulk of his career competing in his native Netherlands. He played with the L.A.C. Frisia 1883 second-division squad for 10 years as well as with CVV Blauw Wit '34 for four seasons.
 
Foss, a defender, was a two-time all-region selection while captaining his Statesboro (Ga.) High School team. He arrives after taking a gap year, which he primarily spent living in Israel. 
 
Justincic, a goalkeeper, helped Commack High School to the county championship and SUSA Albertson to the New York State Cup, both in 2021. He recorded a combined 15 shutouts during his final two prep seasons.
 
Rodriguez, a midfielder, was named the New York State finals MVP during his senior season with Amityville Memorial High School. He recorded 15 goals and 10 assists as the team went 21-1-1 and won the Class A state title in 2022.

Saavedra, a midfielder, played with Queensboro FC in 2022. He hails from Miami and previously played with the Inter Miami academy team in 2019 and second team in 2020 and '21.
 
Vanegas, a forward from Glen Cove, spent five years with the NYCFC Academy, participating with that squad in international tournaments in Spain and Colombia.
 
Wheeler, a forward/midfielder, was an All-American and all-state selection during his senior season with 2022 county champion Glen Cove High School. He also was named the Nassau County Player of the Year. He produced 46 goals during his prep career, including career highs with 17 goals and 15 assists as a senior.

The Sharks open their 2023 season on Aug. 24 at Stony Brook.