DeLand, Fla. -- The Stetson University men's soccer program and head coach Emmett Rutkowski are excited to announce three new additions for the 2022 season as Cesar Mata, Andy Mensah and Nathan Metsack join the Hatters for the upcoming campaign.
Mata comes to Stetson from Ciudad Juarez, México. He attended high school at Universidad Del Valle de México where he played under the direction of the Wildcats head coach, Hugo Saucedo. "I chose Stetson because I wanted to commit to being a part of this family and to fulfill my goals as both a student and a soccer player," said Mata on why he chose Stetson. The 5-foot-9 right winger plans to study international business here at Stetson.
"Andres has experience with the U17 Mexican National team and is dynamic in the wide areas," said Rutkowski. "He has a very gritty and tough mentality that will translate well to the college game."
Mensah, a native of Springfield, Va. comes to Stetson as a graduate transfer from Virginia Commonwealth University where he was a member of the Rams men's soccer program. The 5-foot-9 forward chose Stetson because of athletics and academic excellence, and he looks to attain his master's in business administration.
"Andy has been a part of a championship caliber program at VCU and gives us much needed veteran experience," Rutkowski said of his graduate transfer. "He is a hard-working player that is direct going to goal, which is an area of need after last fall."
Metsack, an Ashford, Conn. native comes to DeLand after spending one season at University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. Before his collegiate days, Metsack attended E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, Conn. and played for the New England Revolution academy team in his youth career. "I wanted to come to Stetson because the soccer program is headed in a positive direction and I want to be part of it," Metsack said on his decision to come to Stetson. The 6-foot center back plans to study health sciences with aspirations to become a physical therapist in the future.
"Nate comes from a perennial national contender in Akron and a stellar youth career at New England Revolution. He is a very good on-the-ball defender, 1v1, and moves well with his pace," said Rutkowski of his third addition.
Stetson comes off a much-improved year as the Hatters finished fourth in the ASUN going 4-3 in league play and 8-7-2 overall. In the quarterfinals of the ASUN tournament, the Hatters shutout Liberty 3-0 for their first ASUN tournament win since 2019.
The Hatters are poised to build off their success from 2021 and further improve into a perennial ASUN powerhouse in 2022.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.
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