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Former Penn State and MLS Super draft selection Caden Grabfelder highlights wave of Pitt men’s soccer’s new additions

On the eve of a new season, Head Coach Jay Vidovich is once again heavily fortifying the Pitt Men’s Soccer program with high-caliber talent right as the 2026 preseason camp is set to begin.

Vidovich and his staff have announced some aggressive acquisitions over the past few days which sould bring added technical skill, professional academy experience, and proven collegiate pedigree to address the team’s depth and tactical flexibility.  The Panthers will be looking to rebound after last season’s underwhelming results, which left them on the outside looking in of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament for the first time since 2018.

With a few more roster announcements likely still to come and be added to a core returning roster that includes 13 players, here is a look at the key additions confirmed for the Panthers:

Most Recent Additions include: 

    • Caden Grabfelder (Midfielder, Senior): Grabfelder is an elite, in-state addition transferring after three standout seasons at Penn State. Over 49 career matches in Happy Valley, he recorded 18 goal contributions (9 goals, 9 assists) and was selected 50th overall by CF Montréal in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The former All-Big Ten Freshman selection brings top-tier creativity and an immediate attacking edge to Pitt’s midfield for his final year of eligibility. 
    • Ethan Pendleton (Defender, Sophomore): Coming from UCLA, Pendleton provides a physical engine and professional versatility on the flanks. He didn’t log game minutes during the Bruins’ Big Ten Tournament title run, but his pedigree includes heavy development with the DC United Academy and professional appearances for Loudoun United FC in the USL Championship. He is regarded for his ability to seamlessly link robust defending with overlapping wing attacks. 
    • Cannon Scretchen (Midfielder/Forward): Joining via Xavier, Scretchen injects highly competitive MLS Next Pro experience into the roster. He spent pivotal development time with the Nashville SC pipeline and logged professional minutes on the pitch with Huntsville City FC, giving Pitt a player already physically prepared for high-tempo transitions. 
    • Cristian Lograsso & Pablo Portero: Lograsso arrives with valuable game experience from NJIT to stabilize the squad’s central framework. Meanwhile, Portero continues Vidovich’s tradition of recruiting highly technical international prospects out of Spain, aiming to bring tactical maturity and composed distribution under pressure. 

Roster Additions Overview

Player Position Previous Team / Academy Pipeline Key Background Attribute
Caden Grabfelder Midfielder Penn State 2025 MLS SuperDraft Pick (CF Montréal)
Ethan Pendleton Defender UCLA / Loudoun United FC Elite motor; deep DC United Academy roots
Cannon Scretchen Midfielder/Forward Xavier / Huntsville City FC Robust physical presence with MLS Next Pro minutes
Cristian Lograsso Midfielder NJIT Proven domestic collegiate depth
Pablo Portero Midfielder/Forward Spain High technical ceiling and international experience

These additions will join an established group of returning players who bring valuable collegiate experience and leadership across every line:

  • Goalkeeping & Defense: Senior goalkeeper Jack Moxom returns to anchor the back, supported by a defensive unit featuring Ferran Baqué, Gavin Wetzel, Josh Hardin, and MLS SuperDraft selection Niklas Sørensen (who along with Moxom gained additional competitive minutes featuring with Riverhounds Two this summer).

  • Midfield Engine: The midfield retains Logan Oliver, Anders Bordoy (Kiski Area), Santiago Ferreira, junior Miguel Bertran, and sophomore Grayson Carter.

  • Attacking Depth: Senior forwards Albert Thorsen, Zahir Dyke, and local Pittsburgh product Alex Hauskrecht (Winchester Thurston) return as options for the attack up front.

With the combination of battle-tested returnees and dynamic late summer signings, Vidovich is banking on having another deep roster ready to contend.

Stay tuned to Pittsburgh Soccer Now for further roster announcements and full coverage throughout preseason camp.  The Panthers will open the season on Thursday, August 20, against Big Ten power Maryland.

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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).

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