With a 13th national ranking in recruiting this offseason, per Soccer Wire, Northwestern men’s soccer is gearing up for the upcoming fall season by adding 13 players to the roster. Last year, NU wrapped up the fall season with a 9-6-1 record, but the ‘Cats didn’t reach the Big Ten tournament berth. Led by head coach Russell Payne, who entered his fifth season with the program, the Wildcats look to bounce back from a disappointing season last year.
There are 10 players from last year left due to graduation,
including Akinjide Awujo and Paul Son, who are one of the Wildcats’ main scorers last year. In response, the team added 13 more players, including seven experienced D-I transfers.
Let’s dive into these transfer pickups.
Tre Barrett (Forward)
A left-footed forward who cannot only play on two wings but also central forward. Barrett had a standout freshman season with William & Mary last year, tallying three goals and five assists (team-best), and earning the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) All‑Rookie honors. In high school, he was a two-time All-State selection at Kecaughton High School (Virginia), amassing 50 goals and 23 assists in 40 games. He also had various club soccer experiences at Virginia Legacy, Virginia Reigh, Beach FC and USL League Two team Lionsbridge FC.
A textbook team goal if we've ever seen one. Tre Barrett's third goal of the evening is the @bowditchford Drive of the Game for our match against Grove Soccer United. #UpTheBridge pic.twitter.com/C95ni7Rnue
— Lionsbridge FC (@LionsbridgeFC) May 16, 2024
As one of the Top 100 Freshmen (65th) of 2024 selected by Soccer Wire, Barrett’s physicality and mesmerizing footwork could bolster Northwestern’s attacking options.
Doug Hainer (Midfielder)
A sophisticated Division I midfielder who spent his prior three years with Oakland and Coastal Carolina. He had a breakout season last year with the Chanticleers, scoring three goals and two assists, including a clutch game-winning free-kick against USC Upstate. Prior to his collegiate career, he was a shining star with the club Vardar SC, leading both the U17 and U19 MLS NEXT sides in goals.
Great winning goal by Vardar Alumni player Doug Upper 90 Hainer . Oakland University 1 Detroit Mercy 0 pic.twitter.com/0wnliBGbqf
— Vardar Soccer Club (@vardarmichigan) October 2, 2022
As a consistent player, Hainer logged more than 2,000 minutes at Coastal Carolina. He also played 1,193 minutes at Oakland during his freshman year. Following the four midfielders’ departure from last campaign, Hainer can provide the Wildcats’ midfield with depth and his valuable experience.
Omar Jallow (Forward)
The Wildcats added another CAA talent in Omar Jallow from Drexel. Jallow is expected to bring a physical presence up front after starting nine of 17 matches for Drexel last year and recording three goals and one assist. The incoming sophomore from Georgia had a storied high school career at Hillgrove High School (Georgia), and he holds two school records in regular-season goals (22) and career goals (33). He was also a former Gatorade Player of the Year nominee and Georgia 7A Player of the Year in high school in 2024.
Never doubt the Vidas Effect.
— Drexel Men's Soccer (@DrexelMSoccer) October 19, 2024
Omar Jallow with 42 seconds to spare.
1-1 FINAL#FearTheDragon pic.twitter.com/ipC89hcvvH
Seth Mahlmeister (Forward)
A 6‑foot‑2 senior from Lima, Ohio, Mahlmeister was a force for Purdue Fort Wayne in the Horizon League before making the move to NU. During his two varsity seasons at Lima Catholic Central High School (Ohio), Mahlmeister led the program with 42 goals. In 2023, he led the Horizon League with 10 goals and 3 assists as a junior at Purdue Fort Wayne, earning First‑Team All‑Horizon League. Beyond the school pitch, he also has a fruitful club experience. He also starred with Fort Wayne United and the Columbus Crew Academy before kicking off his collegiate career.
In the 2024 summer, he joined the USL League Two’s Sarasota Paradise, tallying a team-best 10 goals and eight assists in 13 games. He was selected to the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Forwards to Watch National List by United Soccer Coaches Division I All-America Committees. Despite missing a majority of his senior season due to the injury, Mahlmeister can still bring NU experience and a scoring threat to anchor its frontline.
There’s a reason why we call him the Goalmaster
— Sarasota Paradise (@SRQ_Paradise) October 4, 2024
Mahlmeister has he own shirt available at https://t.co/m76HqXPxFO pic.twitter.com/T6KfQPlywZ
Alejandro Martínez Santamaría (Forward)
Another attacking addition from the Horizon League school. Santamaria is expected to be another offensive catalyst for NU after a stellar 2024 season with Milwaukee, leading the team in goals (9) and assists (4), earning First Team All-Horizon League honors. He also led the Panthers’ advance to the Horizon League Tournament’s semifinal since 2021.
Alejandro Martinez breaks into the scoring column with his first goal as a Panther! pic.twitter.com/dB80hMnvaG
— Milwaukee Men’s Soccer (@MKE_MSoccer) August 25, 2024
Before transferring to Milwaukee, Santamaría spent three years at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he earned All-American and All-Region honors after leading the team with 8 goals and 20 points in the 2022 season. He also helped the Rangers reach the NCAA Tournament twice. A native of Spain, he played high school soccer at ÍES Leonardo Torres Quevedo (Santander, Spain) and club soccer with CD Bezana.
Yuval Nimrodi (Midfielder)
Nimrodi made 23 appearances over two seasons at La Salle, tallying four goals and an assist. His season was highlighted by a game-winner that he scored against Army in a 1–0 victory. Known for his sharp vision and progressive passing, Nimrodi also offers a threat from distance and excels at transitioning the ball forward, which can help NU play with greater balance and fluidity. A native of Israel, he attended Ohel Shem School in Ramat Gan and was part of the 2022–23 Liga Alef South title-winning squad.
Yuval Nimrodi are you kidding me???#GoExplorers pic.twitter.com/7FkFoIDdN0
— La Salle Men’s Soccer (@LaSalle_MSOC) August 29, 2023
Baraka Tarleton (Midfielder)
Last season, Tarleton appeared in 21 games for Evansville, starting 19 and scoring two goals. He was a dependable midfielder and played a key role in helping the team win the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and secure an NCAA Tournament spot. Before college, he was a dual-sport athlete at Andover High School (Minnesota), focusing on soccer and basketball. He earned First-Team All-State honors and was also named First-Team All-Conference with the Minnesota Thunder club team.
79'@baraka_tarleton WITH THE EQUALIZER!!!
— UE Men's Soccer (@UEAthleticsMSOC) November 17, 2024
2 | 2
⚽️ #ForTheAces pic.twitter.com/q1GBCCSWvV
Lining up with Hainer, Nimrodi, or other new midfield signees, Tarleton will strengthen the Wildcats’ midfield depth with experience and flexibility.
Josue Hangi (Goalkeeper)
The Wildcats added Hangi just before the season set to begin in August. Transferring in from Georgia State, he is expected to spend his final eligible year at NU. Last season with the Panthers, Hangi made 56 saves and posted four shutouts, with a save percentage of 73.7% over 14 games. He also set a career high with 12 saves in a 1-2 loss to Limpscomb.
Some of my 2024 season highlights: https://t.co/Hh6xBGP8e5 pic.twitter.com/RbqJmG9eFO
— Josue hangi (@josuehangi_) November 29, 2024
Having played 2,867 minutes in goal, Hangi brings valuable experience and will strengthen the Wildcats’ defense. His addition also enhances NU’s goalkeeping options for the upcoming season.
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