VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton men's soccer program has announced the signing of four newcomers to join the Bearcats this fall. Two high school standouts and two transfers will complete the roster for the upcoming season.

"This incoming class are a competitive group of players who have outstanding fight and work ethic," head coach Paul Marco said. "We have brought in players that will add depth and competition in each position right away," head coach Paul Marco said. "Our class brings in two defenders, one midfielder, and a striker. All four players come from successful clubs where winning is important and they compete at the highest level. We are looking forward to the growth and development of these players under the guidance and leadership of our current team."

Jaden Graber (New York, N.Y.) is a striker from The Beacon School. Graber was a four-year varsity starter and amassed 83 goals and 37 assists during that time. He also was captain of the team and was selected for the 2019 Mayors Cup All-Star Game. Graber was a member of the Manhattan Soccer Club Emelec team, whom have been very successfully regionally and nationally. Graber was a part of the Manhattan Soccer Club team that won NY East State Cup Championships in 2016 and 2017, won NPL Championships in 2016 and 2017, were Potomac and Disney Champions in 2018, and recently were Bethesda and Manhattan Kickoff Classic Champions in fall of 2019 and spring 2020 respectively. 
 
"Jaden is a striker who loves to score goals." Marco said. "He sees the game well and has good technical ability. He is able to find himself in great areas to capitalize on goal scoring opportunities. He will be a goal scoring threat up front this upcoming season."

Cooper Sayles (Hamilton, Va.) is a midfielder who comes from Loudoun Valley High School. In 2018, he was named first team All-District and All-Region and then received the same honors for the 2019 season. His team were 2019 District/Region Champions. Also, during the 2019 season, Sayles was named to the All-State second team and was an All-Met honorable mention. Sayles comes from Loudoun Soccer Club and joins four other Loudoun alum who currently play for the Bearcats. Lastly, Sayles is a member of the Math Honor Society.

"Cooper will compete to play somewhere in midfield. He can play both centrally and wide," Marco said. "Cooper is a warrior and has a great will to win. He is good with a pass or on the dribble and is tough in tackle. His competitiveness and fight will help him compete to play as a freshman."

Tim Leuenberger (Basel, Switzerland) is from Freies Gymnasium Basel and is a transfer from Roanoke College. From his time in Basel, he played with BSC Old Boys Basel, FC Basel 1893, and FC Reinach. He won the National Championship with FC Basel in 2015. At Roanoke, he was named All-Region First Team South Atlantic 2019, All-Conference Second Team ODAC (2018), All-Conference First Team (2019), All-Tournament Team ODAC (2018, 2019), and All-Academic Team ODAC (2018, 2019). Leuenberger lead Roanoke to the NCAA Division 3 Tournament first round in 2019.

"Tim is a defender who can play as a center back, left back, or holding midfielder." Marco said. "He is a natural leader that will bring experience and maturity to the team. Tim is very good in buildup play and has a good range of passing. He is also good in 1v1 situations and winning balls in the air."
 
Will Noecker (Fairfax, Va.) is a defender from WT Woodson High School and transfer from Northern Virginia Community College. He was MVP and captain of his high school team during his junior and senior years. Noecker has played for Braddock Road Youth Club since he was 8 years old. His club team has played in the National League for the last 5 year and has since moved to the ECNL. Noecker led his team to the ECNL playoffs in 2018. Noecker will join former BRYC teammate Michael Bush on the Bearcat's roster.

"Will brings a well-rounded skill set. He is athletic, competitive, and always rises to the occasion when needed," Marco said. "He is a very good defender and is useful when he's on the ball. He shows great leadership and will make an immediate impact in the team. He will compete to play in the back or in midfielder this year."