MSOC Adds Three to 2022 Signing Class

MILWAUKEE – Marquette University men's soccer head coach Louis Bennett and staff announced three additional signees to the team's 2022 recruiting class Monday afternoon.

Joining the Golden Eagles will be Kyle Bebej, a defender from Joliet, Illinois, Mitar Mitrovic, a midfielder from Belgrade, Serbia, and Tristan Rønnestad-Stevens, a midfielder/defender from Perth, Australia.

"The class enrolling in the spring semester add depth and quality to our returning squad," Bennett said. "A smaller squad by design, it's important that all new players have a large appetite for work and growth with ambition to improve themselves and our program stylistically and objectively in a strong, creative, results-based environment."

"Coming in ahead of the championship season, this group has a great opportunity to get acclimated and to contribute to our future growth. I'm excited for this group of positive, talented young men to be added to our already strong squad."

Kyle Bebej | Defense | Joliet, Illinois | Chicago Fire Academy
Prior to Marquette: Spent six years competing at the Chicago Fire Academy, most recently as a member of the Chicago Fire U23 squad… Helped the Chicago Fire U19 team to win the MLS Next Cup in 2021 alongside teammate Diegoarmando Alvarado, also a member of Marquette's 2022 signing class… Also won the Dallas Cup Championship with the Fire in 2018.

Why He Chose MU: "I chose Marquette University because of everything it offers athletically and academically. The men's soccer coaching staff made me feel at home at Marquette, and they are top class. Marquette also offers the major I want to study, so I am able to get a quality education while playing in one of the most competitive conferences in college soccer, the BIG EAST."

Coach Bennett: "Kyle is a versatile player, capable of playing in a back four in defensive mode or one in an attacking stance. His time with Chicago Fire U23 at outside back has yielded goals, assists and experience that will be most welcomed and appropriate here at Marquette. I am equally excited about Kyle's competitive instincts and his consistent drive to improve his game."

Mitar Mitrovic | Midfield | Belgrade, Serbia | Indiana Fire Academy
Prior to Marquette: Competed with the Indiana Fire Academy's U19 squad in 2021, and previously with the Chicago Fire Academy U14-U17 teams… Was a member of the Serbian Youth National Team in 2013 and 2014… Helped the Chicago Fire to an MLS Academy Playoff appearance, and the Indiana Fire to an MLS Next Playoff appearance.

Why He Chose MU: "Marquette has a great soccer program. It has great facilities, and an opportunity to improve as a player and a student."

Coach Bennett: "Mitar is a midfielder with the ability to both create and take scoring opportunities, while also stopping opposition from scoring. His experience in the MLS Academy and most recently in Serbia has given him invaluable experience and a strong soccer IQ. Like the others in this incoming freshman class, he has an appetite for work in school and soccer, and he will fit and contribute well to our social culture."

Tristan Rønnestad-Stevens | Midfield/Defense | Perth, Australia | Sorrento FC
Prior to Marquette: Competed with Sorrento FC 20s squad in Western Australia… Previously was a member of Perth Glory FC… Helped Sorrento FC to a 12-4-6 finish in 2021 and an appearance in the major semifinals.

Why He Chose MU: "The men's soccer program has a great vision and provided me with a fantastic opportunity to be able to study overseas, and to progress my soccer to a new level."

Coach Bennett: "A midfielder or center back, Tristan adds a physical, aggressive style and presence to the team that will add a different dimension to our midfield. He is one of just a few Australian players to ever play soccer at Marquette. His range of passing, tackling, timing and tenacity, plus his heading abilities, will be a positive addition to the squad."

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