The Santa Clara men’s soccer team has expanded its 2025 recruiting class with the addition of seven new players. This announcement brings the total number of recruits to 11, following four earlier signings.
Head coach Cam Rast and his staff have signed forwards Alen Begovic from Santa Clara, California; Josmar Guandique from Sunnyvale, California; and Gabrielius Mazonas from Vilnius, Lithuania. Midfielders Ezana Alemayehu from San Ramon, California; Moises Almontes from San Jose, California; James Saggau from San Jose, California; and defender Alejandro Arenas from Santa Ana, Costa Rica were also added to the roster.
Previously signed players include prep player Ethan Martinez from San Jose and transfers Niv Berkovitz (SMU), Diego Diaz (Temple), and James Wangsness (Princeton).
Ezana Alemayehu is a midfielder who played for De Anza Force under associate head coach Eric Yamamoto. “I chose SCU to have the opportunity to play soccer at a high level alongside fierce competitors while being part of its strong engineering program,” said Alemayehu.
Moises Almontes has been involved with De Anza Force since childhood. “Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling,” said Almontes about choosing Santa Clara.
Alejandro Arenas comes with experience playing for Costa Rica’s U20 National Team. “I am excited for this opportunity to be part of a place where I can develop both personally and professionally,” said Arenas.
Alen Begovic decided on Santa Clara University as it allows him to pursue soccer at a high collegiate level while excelling academically.
Josmar Guandique expressed his desire to improve in his sport while receiving an education at Santa Clara.
Gabrielius Mazonas aims for significant achievements at Santa Clara after leading scoring efforts in Maryland’s Interstate Athletic Conference.
James Saggau transferred from Cal Poly seeking an exceptional business school and fitting soccer style. He stated: “I chose Santa Clara because of its exceptional business school and for the soccer team’s style of play and culture.”
Coach Rast shared positive remarks about each recruit’s potential contributions to the team as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
