MSOC Adds Three Signees to 2023 Class

Matthew Iriarte | Midfielder | Flushing, N.Y. | Saint Francis Preparatory School / Met Oval

Prior to Marquette: A club captain for the Met Oval U19 team in Queens, N.Y. … Helped lead his squad to MLS Next U17 and U19 Northeast championships … Made the MLS Next Playoffs at both the U17 and U19 levels … Helped Met Oval win its group at MLS Next Flex 2022 … Played prep soccer at Saint Francis Preparatory School in Queens in 2019 … Helped the Terriers to win the CHSAA New York JV Championship.

Why He Chose Marquette: "I chose to attend Marquette University because it was the best University where I could challenge myself to become a better student and athlete."

Coach Bennett: "Matt is a talent that can grind as well as flow as a busy midfielder. He's no stranger to hard work, mobility and making teams he's played for tick with passing and moving. We are very excited to have Matt, an east-coaster who had many other options, but chose to join us here at Marquette. He, along with Nico and Renan, will get a great opportunity to adapt and grow into their respective Marquette roles this spring."

Renan Salum | Goalkeeper | São Paulo, Brazil | São Paulo F.C.

Prior to Marquette: Competed for several years with São Paulo F.C. in São Paulo, Brazil … Earned the Best Goalkeeper Award at the 2018 youth championships in China … Helped his team to the Campeão Paulista Sub-15 Championship.

Why He Chose MU: "I chose Marquette University because of its history, and one of my idols used to play for Marquette (Dwyane Wade)"

Coach Bennett: "Renan is a goalkeeper that brings a new dynamic to our Marquette goalkeeper team. He is comfortable using his feet and is aggressive to dominate the goalkeeper's area. His spring semester experience will be invaluable as it will be a part acclimation period with his goalkeeper teammates, as well as a time of growth."

Nico Pendleton | Midfielder | Lawrence, Kan. | Mill Valley HS / Sporting Kansas City Academy

Prior to Marquette: Competed for Sporting Kansas City II, and appeared in a pair of matches in Spring of 2022 … Also played prep soccer his senior year, playing for Mill Valley HS in Shawnee, Kansas, where his father, Jason, is the head coach … Helped the Jaguars to a 17-1-1 overall record and their first ever Kansas 6A state title.

Why He Chose MU: "The place is filled with fantastic people and I like to surround myself with people who have similar goals."

Coach Bennett: "Nico has been front and center as one of the top up-and-coming Sporting Kansas City MLS2 & Academy players. He's an exciting player that can play midfield or forward, and he will help us fill voids in our squad as we graduate several players from those positions."

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