SEATTLE – Seattle Pacific University men's soccer head coach Kevin Sakuda finalized his 2023 recruiting class on Friday afternoon, welcoming nine new student-athletes to the program for the upcoming season.

"We are extremely excited about this recruiting class," Sakuda said. "It's a talented group of players who we think will be a big part of this program moving forward. They all bring their unique skill sets and personalities to the group, but they are a perfect fit for the type of soccer we want to play and the type of team we want to be. Just as important, these nine guys are all high-character individuals who will be great teammates on and off the field. We are excited to get them on campus and join us this fall!"

THE NEWCOMERS
JACOB ANDERSON | CENTER BACK | BOISE, IDAHO | TIMBERLINE HIGH SCHOOL 
Anderson joins the Falcons with a long list of accomplishments, both on the field and in the classroom. Anderson's team enjoyed great success, winning the 5A State Title back-to-back in 2021 and 2022. He was a key piece to that success, earning First Team All-Conference honors each year. 2021 was a breakout season for Anderson, as he was named the first runner-up for the Gatorade Player of the Year accolades. Academically, Anderson earned academic honors three times.

WHY HE CHOSE SPU
"I chose SPU because when I came to SPU the first time for an ID camp, the coaches were amazing, and spending time there I loved the atmosphere of the college, the culture of the team, and the amazing area of Seattle where SPU is," Anderson said.

DIEGO PENA-SELGADO | MIDFIELDER | MARYSVILLE, WASH. | MARYSVILLE PULCHUCK HIGH SCHOOL
Pena-Selgado joins the Falcon midfield from Marysville, Wash. He was strong on the pitch, earning ECNL Northwest Conference honors twice. 

WHY HE CHOSE SPU
"I chose SPU because of the community and coaching staff." 

DIEGO COSSIO | GOALKEEPER | RICHLAND, WASH. | HANFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Cossio joins the Falcons as an accomplished goalkeeper from the east side of the state. He's had a dominant run between the posts for Hanford High School. Cossio was named First Team All-Conference and Goalkeeper of the Year twice.

WHY HE CHOSE SPU 
"SPU was a place where I could continue my life athletically and academically," Cossio said. "I couldn't be more excited to have new coaches develop me into the best player and person I can be. Most importantly where God takes me in my new journey." 

JJ DIAZ | FORWARD | HILLSBORO, ORE. | WESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 
Diaz comes to Seattle from Hillsboro, Ore. He played for Westview High School as a forward. He found success on the pitch, earning First Team All-League honors. Diaz was touted as one of the best in the state, being named to the Second Team All-State recognition.

WHY HE CHOSE SPU
"Since visiting Seattle Pacific I've realized the coaches and team are the family I need to begin my next chapter," Diaz said.

SILVESTRE VALLEJO | LEFT BACK | SULTAN, WASH. | SULTAN HIGH SCHOOL 
Vallejo is a stout defender who joins the Falcons from Sultan, Wash. His accomplishments from the pitch pop off the page. Vallejo was named the league's most valuable player in back-to-back seasons. Along with the high honors, he's been named First Team All-Conference and First Team ECNL during his time at Sultan High School.

WHY HE CHOSE SPU
"I chose SPU because of the environment and the competitiveness of the team," Vallejo said. 

RAYMUNDO MENDEZ | MIDFIELDER | YAKIMA, WASH. COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE
Mendez joins SPU as a transfer from Columbia Basin College in the Northwest Athletic Conference. He made a name for himself as one of the best-attacking midfielders in the league. Mendez is a two-time NWAC All-Star midfielder, the 2021 NWAC East Region Most Valuable Player, and earned Junior College All-West Region honors in 2022. He's experienced team success as well, as the Hawks brought home the 2022 NWAC Championship.

WHY HE CHOSE SPU
"I felt SPU was the best fit after meeting the team and training with the team, there is quality from every player and I appreciate the playing style SPU brings day in and day out," Mendez said. "I am also very excited to finish my education and earn my degree."

CHRISTOPHER SOTO | MIDFIELDER | MOUNT VERNON, WASH. | MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL
Soto makes the trip south to Seattle from Mount Vernon, Wash. He brings ability to the Falcon's offense. Soto was named First Team All-Wesco and the league's Offensive Player of the Year.

WHY HE CHOSE SPU
"For the great soccer program and to continue my soccer career," Soto said. 

MITCHELL WILSON | GOALKEEPER | ISSAQUAH, WASH. | ISSAQUAH HIGH SCHOOL 
Wilson is a goalkeeper from Issaquah, Wash. He was part of a club team that won a state championship.

WHY HE CHOSE SPU
"I Chose SPU because I want to grow as an athlete, an individual, and be a part of a world-class culture," Wilson said. 

OWEN SWARTOUT | CENTER MID | SHERWOOD, OR | SHERWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Swartout is a center mid out of Oregon. He makes the trip to Seattle after spending three years as a team captain at Sherwood High School. Swartout had a hand in winning back-to-back state championships. Swartout was also on the team that won the 2022 Surf Cup Championship.

WHY HE CHOSE SPU
"I was excited about playing for a nationally competitive program while living in such a cool part of Seattle," Swartout said.