Marquette Soccer Announces First Four Signees to 2019 Class

MILWAUKEE – Head coach Louis Bennett and the Marquette University men's soccer program have announced its first four signees for the 2019 recruiting class. The group, which includes winger Jonathan Robinson, forward Christian Marquez, goalkeeper Michael Diaz and defender/midfielder Clay Smith, will arrive in the fall and have four years of eligibility remaining.

"It's a class that resembles a lot of time spent evaluating our strengths and possible weaknesses," Bennett said. "Our recruiting for this 2019 incoming class has been very specific, providing us the depth that we need to successfully get through a tough non-conference and, obviously, a very tough BIG EAST schedule."

Jonathan Robinson | Winger/Left Back | Evanston, Illinois | FC United Academy
Prior to Marquette: Attended Warren Township High School … Played club soccer for Chicago Magic PSG Academy and most recently FC United Academy under the direction of Gonzalo Segares … During the 2017-18 campaign, ranked fourth in the central region with 18 goals scored and was invited to US Youth National team camp.

Why Marquette: "I elected Marquette due to their reputation of having prestigious academic programs and the extraordinary level of soccer and character of the coaching staff. Also, the prominent alumni network, which will encompass the best opportunity to reach all of my goals."

Coach Bennett: "He's one of the guys we've known about since he was 14 years old at our iD camp. He's always wanted to be at Marquette. Year-by-year, he's become one of the best left side players in the region. He's committed and aggressive in the way that he plays and has done a nice job in combining his skill with his academics.

Christian Marquez | Forward | Riverside, Illinois | Chicago Fire Academy
Prior to Marquette: Attended Saint Ignatius College Prep … Played club soccer at Chicago Fire Academy under the direction of Jeff DeGroot … Club reached the academy final four during the 2015-16 campaign and again reached the playoffs the following season … Served as team captain during his final season with the club.

Why Marquette: "Marquette is a great University that values its academics, athletics and faith. It is located in a great city. The soccer program's unique and attractive style of play that I find very competitive and elegant."

Coach Bennett: "Christian continues our tradition and great relationship with the Chicago Fire Academy, which he served as captain during his final year. He is a well-balanced, hard-working forward that is going to give us quality and depth to our strike force not only for the now, but for the future."

Michael Diaz | Goalkeeper | Frisco, Texas | Solar SC
Prior to Marquette: Attended Frisco High School … Played club soccer for Solar SC under the direction of Luis Zuazua and Zak Downes … Was selected as one of 31 invitees as part of the Generation adidas International Team where he trained in Spain and had the opportunity to play against Real Madrid during the summer of 2018.

Why Marquette: "I chose to attend Marquette because it felt like home from the minute I stepped on campus. I love the campus, the team and, most important, I love Marquette."

Coach Bennett: "He gives us a flare and a quality that is going to bolster our goalkeeping unit, especially with the graduation of Luis Barraza. He has played for two of the top clubs in Texas and has a great pedigree."

Clay Smith | Defender/Midfielder | Chesapeake, Virginia | Texas Rush SC
Prior to Marquette: Attended Hickory High School in Virginia and The Woodlands High School in Texas … Played club soccer for the Virginia Rush and, most recently, the Texas Rush (Houston Dynamo Youth Academy) under the direction of Steve Grave and Alex Cardenas … Led Hickory HS team to a conference championship and a 2018 regional title … Was a three-time all-conference, all-region and all-state selections … Served as a three-year captain.

Why Marquette: "I chose Marquette because of the soccer program, the coaching staff, the academic opportunities and the location."

Coach Bennett: "He's a hard-working, industrious player that adds depth and quality to our midfield and defensive line. After visiting Marquette, he wanted to be here and we certainly wanted to add him to our program. Our quest is to be strong and have quality at every position and he gives us that."

Marquette Soccer Announces First Four Signees to 2019 Class

Players Mentioned

Luis Barraza

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