11/12/2026 5:59:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Golden Eagles add four regional standouts
MILWAUKEE – Marquette University men's soccer head coach David Korn announced the signing of four student-athletes on Thursday. Issa Saidi, Sang Bogonko, Shea Callery and Cal Grulke will join the Golden Eagles ahead of the 2027 season.
The class features talent from Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, including players with experience in MLS NEXT, MLS NEXT Pro and international competition.
We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of young men to the Marquette soccer family, Korn said. This class represents the type of student-athletes we want to bring into our program, talented, driven, competitive, and committed to being part of something bigger than themselves. With two players from the Chicago area, one from Wisconsin, and one from Minnesota, we're excited to continue building a strong regional foundation while bringing together players with experience in some of the top development environments in the country.
These young men have developed within winning academies, one has represented his youth national team and two have played in MLS Next Pro matches. They've been challenged in high-level environments, understand what it takes to compete and win, and have demonstrated the ability and mentality needed to continue develop at the collegiate level.
Just as importantly, we believe this group will be a tremendous fit for the culture of Marquette University and our soccer program. They are motivated to helping our team reach our competitive goals, earn their degree and excel on and off the field within our Marquette community. We're excited to welcome them to Milwaukee, help them take the next step in their development, and watch them contribute to the continued growth and success of Marquette Men's Soccer.
Issa Saidi | Forward/Winger | Appleton, Wisconsin
Saidi joins the Golden Eagles after spending the past two seasons in the Minnesota United FC Academy, where he competed with both the club's U18 side and MNUFC2.
Originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, and born in Zambia, the dynamic winger relocated to pursue elite academy soccer opportunities in Minnesota. A pacey and direct attacker capable of playing on either wing, Saidi is known for his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and create scoring opportunities in transition.
We've been impressed with Issa's personality and his desire to grow, Korn said. He moved away from home in Appleton to be a part of Minnesota United's academy where he has spent the past two seasons playing with their second team and U18s. His speed and strength will be an asset on the wing as he has the 'superpower' for beating players off the dribble. He can both create and score goals and will fit in well with our team.
Sang Bogonko | Midfielder | Schaumburg, Illinois
Bogonko arrives at Marquette following an accomplished youth career with Sockers FC, one of the nation's premier MLS NEXT academies where he was teammates with current Golden Eagles Dominic Firs and Aiden Goldberg.
A versatile midfielder who has frequently played above his age group, Bogonko helped Sockers FC capture the 2026 National Academy Championship and earned recognition among the top prospects in the country. His honors include selection to the U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Regional Identification Center in 2022, participation in the National Academy Championship All-Star Game in 2023 and a three-star rating from TopDrawerSoccer.
Soccer runs in the family, as his older brother, Mhone Bogonko, competed at the Division I level at Loyola Chicago and UC San Diego.
We have been impressed with Sang, who has been a standout at Sockers FC and often played up a year, Korn said. His work rate, ability to help keep possession, game understanding and positional flexibility make him incredibly valuable. He is a competitor and has been key to helping Sockers continue to be one of the top teams every year in MLS NEXT.
Shea Callery | Defender | Chicago, Illinois
A 6-foot-4 center back from Chicago, Callery brings leadership experience and international pedigree to the Marquette back line.
Callery has competed for both Saint Ignatius College Prep and FC United, serving as a captain for multiple seasons while developing into one of the region's top defensive prospects. He has also gained valuable experience representing the Republic of Ireland Youth National Team.
An intelligent defender with the ability to play out of the back and dominate aerially, Callery possesses the size, technical ability and leadership qualities to excel at the collegiate level.
Shea has the physical tools to step right in and be successful in college soccer, Korn said. He's been challenged in a strong club environment at FC United. As a defender he has the ability to play with both feet, and excels in winning his defensive ground and aerial duels. He has been a leader on his team and even earned experience playing in the Youth National Team of Ireland.
Cal Grulke | Midfielder | Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Grulke joins the Golden Eagles from the Minnesota United FC Academy, where he has spent the past year and a half competing with both the club's U18 team and MNUFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro environments.
A technically gifted central midfielder, Grulke has helped Minnesota United's developmental system reach back-to-back playoffs and a Western Conference Final while gaining valuable experience against older and more experienced competition.
Known for his vision, soccer IQ and ability to connect play between lines, Grulke is expected to bolster Marquette's midfield depth and future leadership core.
Cal has a personality as a player on and off the field that people are drawn to, Korn said. As a midfielder he is incredibly well-rounded and his high IQ allows him to be a reliable linking player on the ball. At Minnesota United he's spent the past year and a half playing with the U18s and second team. This experience and his passion to win will be impactful in our environment.
