Carolina Men’s Soccer 2026 Newcomers
Carolina will have plenty of new faces in 2026, with a group of freshmen and transfers joining Carlos Somoano’s squad. The freshmen come to Chapel Hill from a variety of club and academy programs, while the transfers bring college experience. TopDrawerSoccer ranks the incoming freshman class No. 14 nationally, while the transfer class is ranked No. 2. Here’s a closer look at the newest Tar Heels and what each brings to the program.
Meet the Freshmen
Myles Carson | Defender
Bedford, TX | Allegiance Academy
Myles Carson comes to Carolina after spending eight years with Allegiance Academy DKSC in Texas. The Bedford native developed primarily as a left back and was part of the academy side that captured a national championship in 2022. His years in the program gave him plenty of experience competing at a high level before making the move to Chapel Hill. The 6-foot defender gives Carolina another option on the left side of the back line. Carson also got an early taste of the college game during the spring, seeing action against Wake Forest in the Tar Heels’ first Carolina Cup match. With his background at left back and familiarity playing in a competitive academy environment, he enters his freshman season with a chance to add depth to a Carolina defense that has traditionally asked plenty from its outside backs.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Jace Donawa | Forward
Sandys, Bermuda | Northwood School | Black Rock FC
Jace Donawa comes to Carolina with international experience already on his résumé. The Sandys, Bermuda, native attended Northwood School in New York and played his club soccer with Black Rock FC in New Hampshire. He has represented Bermuda at the senior national team level as well as with the country’s U-23 and U-20 squads, giving him experience beyond the typical freshman entering the college game. Donawa got an early opportunity to settle in at Carolina after enrolling for the spring semester and made an immediate impression, finding the net during the Tar Heels’ spring schedule. The 5-foot-9 forward adds another quick, attacking option to the UNC front line, and his time playing internationally should help prepare him for the jump into ACC competition.
Jonathan Luna Sabando | Midfielder
Irving, TX | Allegiance Academy
Jonathan Luna Sabando comes to Carolina after developing with Allegiance Academy DKSC in Texas. The Irving native played his club soccer with the program before making the move to Chapel Hill, giving the Tar Heels another young option in the midfield. Soccer also runs in his family, as his father, Alex Luna, played professionally in El Salvador. At 5-foot-8, Luna joins a Carolina midfield that will give him an opportunity to continue developing while adjusting to the college game. His background with Allegiance Academy gives him experience in a competitive club environment, and he enters his freshman season looking to earn a role within a UNC midfield that features a mix of returning experience and new faces.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Etienne Veillard | Defender
Federal Way, WA | Federal Way | Seattle Sounders Academy
Etienne Veillard brings an accomplished academy résumé to Carolina after spending five years with the Seattle Sounders Academy. The Federal Way, Washington, native was part of Seattle’s U-17 squad that captured the 2022 Generation adidas Cup and continued to emerge as one of the academy’s more promising players. His development with the Sounders also gave him experience in an environment built around preparing young players for the professional game. Although listed as a defender at Carolina, Veillard has shown the versatility to contribute further up the field and has been praised during his time in Seattle for his attacking ability from wide areas. He gives the Tar Heels a versatile option who can provide something on both sides of the ball.
Lorenzo D’Agostini | Forward
Miami, FL | Rimini FC
Lorenzo D’Agostini comes to Carolina with an extensive background in both American and European soccer. The Miami, Florida, native spent time with Weston FC and Inter Miami before continuing his development in Italy with S.S. Lazio and Rimini FC. He helped his club qualify for the UEFA Youth League and also earned a call-up to Venezuela’s U-20 national team. At 6-foot-2, D’Agostini gives the Tar Heels another physical presence at the top of the formation. His experience in several different playing environments should serve him well as he adjusts to the college game, while his size and background as a center forward add another option to Carolina’s attack.
*Photos Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Quinton John | Defender
Margate, FL | Inter Miami
Quinton John arrives at Carolina after spending eight years in the Inter Miami academy system. The Margate, Florida, native helped Inter Miami win a national championship and developed into a leader within the program, serving as captain at both the U-17 and U-18 levels. His play also earned him a spot in the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game. John brings international experience as well, having represented Trinidad and Tobago at the youth level. At 6-foot-3, he gives Carolina size in the back line along with years of experience in a professional academy. His combination of leadership and high-level competition should give him a strong foundation as he moakes the move to college soccer.
Benjamin Maitre | Midfielder
Boulogne Billancourt, France | Lycee La Croix Rouge | Stade Brestois 29
Benjamin Maitre arrives in Chapel Hill after developing in the academy system of Stade Brestois 29 in his native France. The Boulogne-Billancourt product spent three seasons with the club, captained its U-19 side, and helped the U-17 team finish atop the regular-season standings. He attended Lycée La Croix Rouge and graduated with highest honors in the French Baccalauréat. Standing 6-foot-3, Maitre brings size and a wealth of high-level academy experience to Carolina’s midfield. His time as a captain at Stade Brestois also speaks to the leadership and responsibility he was trusted with before making the move to the United States. That background gives the Tar Heels an intriguing young midfielder with plenty of experience in a demanding developmental system.
Steven Oyirwoth | Defender/Midfielder
Pakwach, Uganda | Buddo S.S. | KCAA FC
Steven Oyirwoth brings an accomplished background with him from Uganda. A native of Pakwach, he spent four years with KCCA FC and helped the club qualify for the African Championships. He also represented Uganda at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, giving him valuable international experience before arriving in Chapel Hill. Oyirwoth was equally successful at the high school level, helping Buddo S.S. capture a national championship during his two seasons with the program. Listed as both a defender and midfielder, the 6-foot-1 freshman gives Carolina some flexibility in how he can be used. His experience in important matches for both club and country should help ease his transition into the college game.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Jarle Petzold | Midfielder
As, Norway | Wang Toppidrett Fredrikstad | Follo FK
Jarle Petzold comes to Carolina after gaining experience in the Norwegian club system. The Ås, Norway, native played for Follo FK in 2026 after spending the previous three seasons with Fredrikstad FK. He captained Fredrikstad’s second team in 2024, playing 90 minutes per match throughout the season, and later earned opportunities to train and play with the club’s first team during the 2025 campaign. Petzold’s background is a little different résumé than many first-year college players. He has already handled a regular workload against older competition and been trusted with a leadership role at the club level. At 6-foot, he adds another experienced option to a Carolina midfield that will ask its players to be comfortable on the ball and dependable in different situations.
Jayden Puna | Defender
Pearland, TX | iUniversity Prep | Houston Dynamo
Jayden Puna comes to Carolina after developing with the Houston Dynamo Academy, where he played for the club’s U-19 team. The Pearland, Texas, native also gained international experience with Angola’s U-17 national team in 2025. He appeared in every match while scoring against Mali and recording two assists against the Central African Republic. Before joining the Dynamo setup, Puna played at Shadow Creek High School, captaining the varsity team as a sophomore. He earned District MVP and first-team all-district honors after being named District Newcomer of the Year as a freshman. His experience at the academy and international levels gives Carolina another young defender who has already been tested in several different competitive environments.
Marco Simion Guzmán | Goalkeeper
Miami, FL | Somerset Virtual Academy | Miami FC
Marco Simion Guzmán joins Carolina after establishing himself as one of the top young goalkeepers in South Florida. The Miami native attended Somerset Virtual Academy and developed with both Inter Miami and Miami FC. He spent two seasons with Inter Miami’s MLS NEXT Pro setup and also played for the club’s U-17 team, helping it win the MLS NEXT Cup while earning Best Goalkeeper honors at the tournament. Those experiences give Simion an impressive foundation entering his first season in Chapel Hill. He has already faced high-level competition and played in meaningful matches within a professional academy environment. At 6-foot-1, he adds another talented young option to a Carolina goalkeeping group that should benefit from his experience and upside.
Faraji Ramani | Midfielder
Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi | Texas Virtual Academy Hallsville | Houston Dynamo
Faraji Ramani joins the Tar Heels after spending the past two seasons with the Houston Dynamo Academy. Ramani competed in MLS NEXT and served as a captain during his time with the Dynamo. Before moving into the academy system, he played at Wisdom High School, where he also wore the captain’s armband. Ramani’s path to Chapel Hill has given him experience in both high school and academy soccer, with leadership responsibilities at each stop. The 5-foot-8 midfielder has spent the last several years developing in one of MLS’s established youth systems, giving him a solid foundation as he begins his college career. He adds another young midfield option to a Carolina roster that features players from a wide range of soccer backgrounds.
Meet the Transfers
Nico Loebus | Midfielder | Sophomore
Bad Homburg, Germany | Vermont
Nico Loebus comes to Carolina after an impressive freshman season at Vermont, where he started all 20 matches and finished with one goal and five assists. The Bad Homburg, Germany, native was named America East Rookie of the Year and earned Second Team All-Conference and United Soccer Coaches All-Northeast Region Second Team honors. At 6-foot-2, Loebus combines size with skill on the ball and showed an ability to create chances and connect play through the midfield. After making an immediate impact at Vermont, he gives the Tar Heels another talented option in the middle of the field. Loebus has been named to the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List for Midfielders.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Ryan Zellefrow | Midfielder | Junior
Berwyn, PA | Vermont
Ryan Zellefrow arrives at Carolina after two successful seasons at Vermont, including helping the Catamounts capture the 2024 national championship. He took on a larger role in 2025. He started 17 matches and recorded three goals and four assists while earning First Team All-America East and United Soccer Coaches All-Northeast Region First Team honors. A former Conestoga High School and Philadelphia Union Academy standout, Zellefrow can create for teammates or get forward and score himself. His production and postseason experience should make him another valuable addition to the Carolina midfield. Zellefrow has been named to the TopDrawerSoccer Preseason Best XI First Team and the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List for Midfielders.
Nick Lockermann | Defender | Senior
Nuremberg, Germany | Vermont
Nick Lockermann brings a championship pedigree and plenty of experience to Carolina after three seasons at Vermont. The Nuremberg, Germany, native captained the Catamounts in 2025 and earned America East Defender of the Year, First Team All-Conference, and United Soccer Coaches All-Northeast Region First Team honors. He was also a key part of Vermont’s 2024 national championship team after being named America East Rookie of the Year in 2023. Comfortable on the ball and dependable defensively, Lockermann gives the Tar Heels a veteran presence in the back who has already played a major role on championship-level teams. He has been named to the TopDrawerSoccer Preseason Best XI First Team and the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List for Defenders.
Joschi Schelb | Forward | Senior
Freiburg, Germany | Rutgers
Joschi Schelb comes to Carolina after a strong junior season at Rutgers, where he started 16 of 17 matches and led the Scarlet Knights with seven goals, four assists, and 18 points. The Freiburg, Germany, native earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors after spending his first two seasons at Saint Francis, including a 10-goal, eight-assist sophomore season that earned him First Team All-NEC recognition. Schelb has shown he can both score and create chances for others. He gives Carolina another proven option in the attack. Schelb has been named to the 2026 ACC Preseason Watch List and the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List for Midfielders.
*Photo Courtesy of UNC Athletics
Evans Dapaah | Midfielder | Senior
Accra, Ghana | Campbell
Evans Dapaah joins Carolina after three seasons at Campbell, where he developed into one of the Camels’ top midfielders. The Accra, Ghana, native started 18 of 19 matches in 2025 and earned First Team All-CAA honors after finishing with two goals and an assist. He started 33 matches over his final two seasons at Campbell and arrives in Chapel Hill with plenty of college experience. Dapaah’s strength and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball give the Tar Heels another proven option in the midfield. He has been named to the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List for Midfielders.
Final Thoughts
This group of newcomers brings a good mix of young talent and proven college experience. The freshmen arrive with strong club backgrounds and plenty of upside, while the transfers have already played important roles at the college level. Together, the group adds depth and competition throughout the field, with several newcomers capable of making an immediate impact this fall. GO HEELS!!!