UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Head coach Jeff Cook announced the addition of four new athletes to the Penn State men's soccer team on National Signing Day. All four athletes come from the northeast with two from Maryland, one from Massachusetts and one from Pennsylvania. The class consists of four midfielders.
Cook said "I am delighted to welcome this exciting recruiting class to our men's soccer program at Penn State. Our staff has worked to identify and secure wheat we feel is an outstanding group of student-athletes that have a potential to make a big impact on our team in the years to come. I feel confident that our new additions are ready to embrace the challenge."
TYLER FLYNN
Tyler Flynn is a center midfielder from Towson, Maryland. He is set to graduate from Calvert Hall College High School in 2023 and helped lead his team to the MIAA Championship in 2021. Flynn played for Pipeline Soccer Club in the Elite Clubs National League for three years. He also played two years with DC United Academy, an MLS Development academy and spent five years with Baltimore Armour in the MLS Next league.
Flynn on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because I really enjoyed my visit. The campus is beautiful, the facilities are very nice, and the soccer program is elite."
Cook on Flynn
"Tyler has been a consistent performer for his Baltimore Armour club team. We are excited by Tyler's versatility and ability to impact the game on both the offensive and defensive phases of play. He has the opportunity to grow tremendously during his time with our program and we couldn't be happier to welcome him to Happy Valley."
CADEN GRABFELDER
Caden Grabfelder is a Pennsylvania native from Northampton. He attends Northampton Area High School and is set to graduate next spring. Grabfelder played for FC Delco in the MLS Next league for two years. The midfielder also spent time with the Philadelphia Union Academy for five years and Lehigh Valley United in the U.S. Development Academy.
Grabfelder on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because of the amazing soccer development they offer, along with the coaching staff and academic support system. I want to continue to help build success within the Penn State men's soccer program while I continue to strive towards my personal and professional goals."
Cook on Grabfelder
"Caden is another outstanding Pennsylvania talent that we are very excited to bring to Penn State. He has thrived with FC Delco, leading them to great success last summer in the MLS Next Playoffs. Caden is a tireless worker, an intelligent player, and a fierce competitor. My staff and I look forward to working with him."
SAMSON KPARDEH
Samson Kpardeh is a left wing from Monrovia, Liberia. He currently lives in Worcester, Massachusetts and attends South High Community School. Kpardeh has vast experience in the MLS system. He played for New England FC Development Academy for five years and spent one year playing for New England Revolution in the MLS Next league.
Kpardeh on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because it is one of the biggest colleges in America with some of the best sports programs. I think I can grow to become a better athlete and person at Penn State."
Cook on Kpardeh
"Samson is a dynamic attacking player that we have been tracking carefully for the last couple of years. His development in an excellent club program with the Boston Bolts has been impressive. We are confident that his attributes fit perfectly with our program and we know his ability to create and score goals will have a positive impact on our program."
BEN MADORE
Ben Madore joins the Nittany Lions as a center attacking midfielder from Fallston, Maryland. He attends Calvert Hall and has been a member of the men's soccer program there for four years. In his 2021 season, he made first team All-MIAA, second team All-State, and helped the team win the MIAA Championship. His club team is Pipeline SC where he has played for four years. He helped the team to become ECNL National Champions in 2021-22. He spent one year with Baltimore Armour in the MLS Next league and has also played for DC United in the MLS Next league for over a year.
Madore on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because of the high level of academics and athletics at the institution."
Cook on Madore
"Ben is an outstanding talent from the Baltimore area. He is a proven attacking player who is creative and determined to put pressure on opposing defenses. Ben has the potential to influence the outcomes of games at the college level, something he has done exceptionally well in his career so far. His passion for the sport is clear and we could not be more excited to welcome him into our program."
