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Plum's Akut Part of Duquesne Men 2017 Recruiting Class

by
John Krysinsky
February 3, 2017

After four years with the Duquesne University Men’s Soccer Program, Head Coach Chase Brooks has built a program that progressed each season under his direction.
In 2016, they produced an impressive seven-game shut-out and unbeaten streak. The Dukes finished the season 8-5-5 overall and 3-2-3 in the tough Atlantic Ten, while putting together an impressive 6-1-2 home record.
Now with a new class of 12 new players — Brooks is looking to build on that.

Plum’s Brenden Akut has committed to play at Duquesne.

On Thursday, Brooks announced his 2017 recruiting class that includes a trio of Top 150 national recruits, five ranked among the Top 20 in their respective region and seven from US Soccer Development Academy clubs.
The class is currently ranked among the Top 20 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer (as of Jan. 30).

“Character and team-orientated are the words we use to describe this group of future Dukes,” said Brooks, who will be entering his fifth season in 2017.
“We are a family here at Duquesne. Everything we do is program first, and individual second. These guys embody these beliefs and we are very excited to add them to our family!
“I would like to thank our recruiting coordinator, Robert Spain, and assistant coach Josh Faga for all their hard work and sacrifices to bring together this talented class.”

This class includes one local player of note — Brendan Akut. who helped lead Plum to the WPIAL playoffs in 2016.

pic.twitter.com/9InoZapYOV

— Arsenal FC of PA (@ArsenalFCofPA) February 2, 2017

Akut has played for Arsenal FC and returned to his home school district (Plum) his senior year, after attending Kiski School.
With Arsenal, he was on a team that were PA West State Cup champions in 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2015. Akut’s versitity and ability on the ball was exceptional enough to have garnered an opportunity to be a part of the U.S. National Team pool as a futsal play
er.
While leading Plum to its first playoff berth since 2011, he earned first team all-section and all-WPIAL honors and at school is a member of National Honor Society.

“Brendan is a local player from Arsenal FC that loves to attack and get to goal. We are looking forward to him bringing his confidence and work rate to Rooney Field,” said Brooks.

Here’s the complete recruiting class for Duquesne men:

2017 DUQUESNE MEN’S SOCCER RECRUITING CLASS

Name	Pos. / Cl.	Ht. / Wt.	Hometown	High School	Club Team
Brenden Akut	M / Fr..	6-1 / 150	Pittsburgh, Pa.	Plum	Arsenal FC
Omar Ayala	M / Fr.	5-10 / 150	Norristown, Pa.	YSC Academy	Philadelphia Union USSDA
Zion Beaton	M/F / Fr.	6-2 / 172	Belleville, Mich.	Belleville	Michigan Wolves
Jack Bessey	D / Fr.	6-2 / 190	Algonquin, Ill.	Huntley	Sockers FC USSDA
Dorion Dixon	M/F / Fr.	5-9 / 160	Chantilly, Va.	John Champe	Bethesda SC USSDA
Tyrese Edwards	F / Fr.	5-10 / 171	Brampton, Ontario	Cardinal Ambrozic CSS	Woodbridge Strikers SC
Erik Espinoza Jr.	M/D / Fr.	6-1 / 175	Stafford, Va.	Brooke Point	Bethesda SC USSDA
Jesper Evensen	M / Fr.	6-1 / 178	Sandefjord, Norway	Thor Heyerdahl VGS	Sandefjord Fotball
Liam Harmon	D / Fr.	5-9 / 150	Bloomsburg, Pa.	Bloomsburg	North Union United/PA Classics USSDA
Andrew Murray	M/D / Fr.	5-10 / 155	Fanwood, N.J.	Scotch Plains	Players Dev Academy USSDA
Brett Stern	M/F / Fr.	5-10 / 155	Lockport, N.Y.	Newfane	Empire United USSDA
Vito Vincent	M / Fr.	6-0 / 185	King of Prussia, Pa.	Upper Merion	FC Europa

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John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).