KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- Western Michigan head coach Chad Wiseman announced the addition of five signees on Tuesday. Joining the Broncos as freshman in the Fall of 2024 are Gabe Villagomez, John Coon, Liam Smith, Jordan Klein, and Adam Smolcic. Notably, all five recruits come from the state of Michigan. The Broncos are 15-0-0 versus in-state opponents dating all the way back to 2018. 

 "These five freshmen will join the three January transfers that make up an eight-man recruiting class thus far. These five are all Captains of their respected youth teams and lead in ways where others want to follow.  I think we're looking at the future of Bronco soccer when we dive into these five players. All of these players wanted to be Broncos, WMU was their first choice.  That means an awful lot to our staff that they see how special WMU is and want to be part of that culture and add to it." explained Wiseman.  "These young men are all winners, they win in just about all phases of their young lives. Those are characteristics that will blend in well with the current Broncos.  The University and greater Kalamazoo community are the big winners as all of these players will leave their mark as student athletes of the men's soccer program."    
 
Along with Villagomez, Coon, Smith, Klein, and Smolcic, WMU's coaching staff plans to add a few players over the coming months to the class of 2024.   
 
Gabe Villagomez | Center Midfielder | 5'8" | 145 lbs  
 
The center midfielder from Lee High School currently plays club soccer  with Midwest United MLS-Next. In addition to spending the last two summers with Midwest United's USL 2 side, he won MVP honors in the U-17 MLS next All-Star Showcase game. Villagomez intends to pursue a degree in civil engineering.
 
Why WMU? 
 
"I chose WMU for the abundance of opportunities, sports, and academics.  I committed to the WMU soccer program this past fall and I couldn't be more grateful! WMU also offers many career pathways which led me to the decision of majoring in civil engineering," said Villagomez. "Overall, WMU creates the perfect environment for incoming students,and I am grateful to be a part of it! Go Broncos!!!"  
 
Coach Wiseman on Gabe 

"Gabe is a talented soccer player. He can play all three of the center midfield positions.  Where he is best is on the ball.  Gabe is a player that is very hard to press, and he is always accountable on the ball.  His ball striking ability in the run of play and on dead balls will be a dangerous weapon.  He has played with and against some of the best college players over the last two years with USL 2 Midwest United.  Gabe is a competitor that plays the game with tons of emotion and demands a high standard at all times."
 
John Coon | Goalkeeper | 6'1" | 180 lbs

Coon, a goalkeeper from Rochester Adams, played for Vardar MLS Next Academy. During high school, Coon was a Michigan Division 1 high school State Champion and earned Dream Team accolades. Coon will study Aviation Flight Science at WMU.
 
Why WMU? 
 
"Western was my top choice from day one. They have one of the top Flight Science programs in the nation. I love the competitive nature of the team every year. I want to be a part of a program that is successful and can compete in the NCAA tournament. Western has also had back to back goalkeepers get drafted and I feel this creates a place where I can grow and continue to develop."  
 
Coach Wiseman on John

"John is a goalkeeper that has a big upside.  He is a competitor that has won championships at different youth levels.  He has great range, allowing him to simply get to balls other goalkeepers cannot.  John trains very hard and is committed to his development as a player.  His distribution continues to get better, he has a strong arm and is becoming more and more confident with his feet.  He will certainly make our fleet of goalkeepers better." 
 
Jordan Klein | Center Midfielder | 6'1" | 160 lbs

Jordan is a center midfielder from Eisenhower High School and plays club soccer with Nationals Soccer Club. In the Fall of 2023, Klein was named to the Dream Team following his high school season. In both the 2021 and 2022 club seasons, Klein was named to the USYS National Championship best XI, as well as ECNL all-conference first team honors. 
 
Why WMU?
 
 "I chose Western Michigan University because it is the top soccer program in Michigan. When I visited WMU, I attended a practice and felt welcomed right away. I could sense the strong bond between the teammates and was immediately connected with the coaches. WMU has high academic expectations, which I value, along with a long list of accomplishments."
 
Coach Wiseman on Jordan

"Jordan is the complete package, he is a great student, elite soccer player, and an extremely hard-working individual.  A center mid that can really pull the strings, who is familiar with several players already on our roster, his vision allows for him to be a step ahead of his opponents.  He has all the physical attributes that are required to play Midwest College soccer. Jordan has also had playing experience in the USL 2 with Oakland County FC". 
 
Adam Matej Smolcic | Defender | 5'11" | 165 lbs
 
Adam is a defender from Troy High School who plays club soccer for the Michigan Wolves MLS Next Academy. At Wolves, Smolcic served as the team captain for three years. During his tenure as captain, he led his squad to a 2021 USYS National Championship Finals appearance and a 2022 MLS Cup Playoff Qualification. The defender will pursue a degree in Biology at WMU.
 
Why WMU?  
 
"I chose WMU because it's the perfect place for me to receive an exceptional education while pursuing my dreams as a student-athlete. For years I have wanted to be a part of their incredible soccer program full of high-quality coaches and players. I was enticed by both the beautiful campus and it's a bonus to be close to home."
 
Coach Wiseman on Adam 

"A Captain of the U19 Michigan Wolves MLS Next team, Adam brings leadership traits with him to Kalamazoo.  I'm not sure there is a senior in high school that works harder than Adam.  He is so committed and dedicated to the process.  Adam is well rounded, he is a phenomenal student, top soccer player and devotes lots of his time to his community.  Adam can play anywhere across the backline.  He is very good at organizing his teammates and working through difficult defensive moments.  Over the course of his career, Bronco fans can expect to see him at many different positions."
 
 
Liam Smith | Winger | 5'10" | 170 lbs
 
Smith, a winger from Muskegon's Reeths-Puffer High School, was named Division 1 Offensive Player of the Year this past Fall.  The three-time All-State Selection is the Rockets' all-time career leading scorer and set a new team single-season scoring record last season.  Smith plays club soccer for Michigan Rangers in the Grand Rapids area.  During the last two summers, Smith has played in the NPSL with Muskegon Risers.
 
Why WMU? 
 
"The reason I chose WMU was the fact it felt like home every time I got on campus. On top of that, Western has one of the top soccer programs in the country and an amazing coaching staff. I feel like this program is going to help me become the best version of myself on and off the field."
 
Coach Wiseman on Liam 

"Liam is an attacking player that has versatility to play either side at the wing position.  He is very accountable on the ball, able to bring other players into the game.  His ability to score a goal, create a chance, cause problems for opposing defenses is what he does best.  Liam is very comfortable running at defenders and confident when taking his chances.  He has wanted to be a Bronco from the very beginning of the recruiting process."