CHICAGO — Loyola University Chicago men's soccer head coach Steve Bode announced the signing of seven new Ramblers to the 2025 roster Wednesday.
"It's an honor to announce the addition of this tremendous group of young men to our program," said Bode. "In many ways, this class reflects the modern era of Division I college soccer recruiting. Our seven additions come from a variety of backgrounds, including traditional high school seniors, domestic transfers, gap year students, and international players. Regardless of their path to Loyola, they all share the core qualities we value in our recruits: high character and a competitive drive to excel both on the field and in the classroom."
Nemanja Pozder, originally from Racine, Wisconsin, joins the Ramblers after graduating from Jerome I. Case High School. The 5-foot-10 defender has played for Chicago FC United since U-14, helping the team make three MLS NEXT Playoff appearances. In the classroom, Pozder is a Spanish National Honor Society member and a four-time High Honor Roll nominee.
Chase Herbel, hailing from Wheaton, Illinois, graduated from Wheaton North High School this spring before heading to Rogers Park. The 6-foot midfielder is a versatile player who excels in the defensive midfield position but has also contributed as a winger and outside back. He captained Sockers FC MLS NEXT for four years, leading the U-19 team to the Generation Adidas Cup. In 2022, he was invited to a U.S. Youth National Team identification camp. Off the pitch, Herbel qualified for the honor roll all eight semesters of high school.
Mateo Acosta, from Skokie, Illinois, is a transfer defender joining Loyola after four years at Notre Dame. He appeared in matches during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons, recording an assist in a 2023 win over Oberlin. Acosta previously played for the Chicago Fire Academy and helped lead FC United to its first Development Academy playoff appearance, scoring five goals in the 2019–20 season. He also participated in U-14 U.S. Boys' National Team camps and was a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar and consistent High Honor Roll student.
Gabe Velasco, originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, joins the Ramblers after a two-year stint at North Carolina, where he earned ACC Academic Honor Roll accolades. Before his time at UNC, the goalkeeper was a standout at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he was named Goalkeeper of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. Velasco was the starting goalkeeper for the MLS NEXT U-19 team and competed in top events like the PDT in Arizona and the Montecatini Cup in Italy. He was selected for multiple U.S. National Training Center sessions and was a two-time National Rush Select All-Star.
Kike Morales Bilbao, a midfielder from Santander, Cantabria, Spain, played for Club Bansander, CD Naval, SD Solares and SD Torina — serving as team captain in 2021 and earning starting roles throughout his career. His club stats include 34 appearances, five goals and 11 assists with Bansander; 26 appearances and seven assists with Naval; 29 appearances, one goal and eight assists with Solares; and 29 appearances, five goals and six assists with Torina. Morales Bilbao also competed in judo, placing fourth at the Spanish national championship.
Joaquin Rodríguez, a 6-foot-2 center back/midfielder from Murcia, Spain, played club soccer with Real Murcia. He competed in Spain's top youth system, playing in both the national league and the División de Honor — the highest level of academy soccer in the country. A member of División de Honor Grupo VII, Rodríguez regularly faced elite competition and developed in one of the most competitive youth environments in Spanish football.
Foster Hayes, a 5-foot-11 midfielder/forward from Carbondale, Colorado, joins the Ramblers after graduating from Roaring Fork High School. Hayes played in the Colorado 3A conference and developed through the Colorado Rapids system, competing in both ECNL and MLS NEXT during his high school years. He earned Colorado First Team All-State honors and was a two-year varsity player. Off the field, Hayes was a National Honor Society member during both his junior and senior years.
"I'd like to thank Associate Head Coach Graham Brennan and Assistant Coach Ricardo Pinto for their efforts in bringing this talented group to Loyola," continued Bode. "We're excited to officially welcome these outstanding student-athletes to the Loyola Athletics Family!"
