POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Marist men's soccer head coach Matt Viggiano '99 announced additions to the 2026 roster ahead of the fall season. The Red Foxes introduce 11 newcomers to the roster, including seven freshmen, one redshirt freshman, one junior transfer, and two graduate transfers.

"The hope is this class addresses any shortcomings and amplifies the current group of talent we have assembled. It is a talented and diverse group of players and human beings, and I look forward to working with them this upcoming season as we fight to achieve our goals. In the current world of Division I athletics recruiting never ends and comes with enormous challenges. Just want to thank my staff for the tireless work it took to put together this class. As usual we have put together a challenging non-conference schedule, and we know the rigors that the Metro presents. We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and will see you in August!"
-Head Coach Matt Viggiano

Cole Caviness | Freshman | Defender | Montclair, NJ

Caviness comes to Marist following a strong three-year career at Montclair High School, where he helped lead the program to two conference titles and earned All-State accolades. Caviness played a pivotal role in Montclair's success while contributing at a variety of positions. At the club level, he was an integral part of the back line for Cedar Stars Bergen, helping the team post one of the fewest goals-against totals in the nation.

Rafael Coulanges | Freshman | Forward/Winger | Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Coulanges joins Marist after developing through the CF Montréal Academy, one of the top youth development programs in Canada. Throughout his youth career, he competed against top-level opposition while continuing to develop his technical ability, speed, and attacking qualities. During his time with CF Montréal Academy, he helped his team compete in major competitions and consistently contributed in the attacking third. Coulanges is known for his pace, work ethic, and ability to create scoring opportunities.

Mani Diop | Graduate Student | Defender | Kaolack, Senegal

Diop transfers to Marist from the University of Washington, where he contributed to the Huskies' National Championship season in 2025. During his career at Washington, Diop appeared in 19 matches with six starts, recording three goals on 10 shots while playing both center back and center forward. Prior to Washington, Diop spent his freshman season at the University of Akron, where he appeared in 13 matches and registered one assist. At the club level, Diop played for the Philadelphia Union Academy and made appearances for Philadelphia Union II in both the USL and MLS NEXT Pro.

Dylan Gugin | Redshirt Freshman | Defender/Midfielder | Dix Hills, NY

Gugin transfers from St. John's University, where he redshirted his freshman season and enrolled at Marist during the Spring 2026 semester. Prior to St. John's, Gugin played for 10 years with BW Gottschee in MLS NEXT. He served as co-captain for five years and helped his team capture an MLS NEXT League Championship in 2024 and MLS NEXT Flex Championships in 2022 and 2023. Gugin was also selected as Man of the Match in the MLS NEXT Cup Championship in 2022 and 2023, while helping his team achieve a No. 7 national ranking in 2024.

Seth Hadeed | Freshman | Center Midfield | Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago

Hadeed joins Marist following an accomplished playing career in Trinidad with Fatima College and the Trinidad and Tobago youth national teams. He has represented his country from the U15 through U20 levels, most notably competing in the U17 Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. At Fatima College, Hadeed played an integral role in the program's SSFL National League titles in 2023 and 2024, as well as a North Zone Intercol championship in 2024. During his most recent season in 2025, he recorded nine goals and 12 assists. Hadeed also played a key role for AC Port of Spain in Trinidad's top division during the 2026 season, continuing his development after time with City FC Academy and QPCC FC.

Nathan Karanganwa | Junior | Midfielder | Montréal, Québec, Canada

Karanganwa transfers to Marist from Iowa Western Community College after helping the program capture the NJCAA Division I National Championship in Fall 2024, along with district championships in Fall 2024 and Fall 2025. Individually, Karanganwa earned All-Region honors in Fall 2025 and was named First Team ICCAC Academic All-Region in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Karanganwa enrolled at Marist in Spring 2026 and started every spring match.

Gavin Mitlitski | Freshman | Goalkeeper | Demarest, NJ

Mitlitski enters Marist after a standout season with Cedar Stars Bergen. He anchored a defense that conceded among the fewest goals in MLS NEXT competition during both the fall and spring seasons and played a key role in helping Cedar Stars Bergen qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup for the fourth consecutive year. Mitlitski brings composure, shot-stopping ability, and leadership to the position.

Tucker Nakazono | Freshman | Center Defensive Midfielder | Denver, CO

Nakazono comes to Marist following a successful youth career with Wake FC in MLS NEXT. He captained a team that appeared in two consecutive MLS NEXT Flex tournaments and captured first place in the Southeast Division. Nakazono also competed for Alexandria Soccer Association, where he earned invitations to U.S. National Team camps and served as team captain.

Sammy Ramirez | Freshman | Winger/Fullback | Paterson, NJ

Ramirez joins Marist following a strong youth and professional development career with NYCFC, where he was a member of the club's professional player pathway. He made his professional debut for NYCFC II at just 16 years old during the 2025 season, appearing against Toronto FC II. During that season, Ramirez recorded eight goals and 12 assists with the academy. At the 2026 MLS NEXT Flex event, he converted three penalty kicks in three consecutive matches, including the game-winning penalty against Columbus Crew that secured group victory and qualification for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in Utah.

Rocco Strazzella | Freshman | Center Midfield | Cary, NC

Strazzella arrives at Marist following a successful career with Wake FC in both MLS NEXT and USL Academy competition. As a midfielder, he consistently competed at the highest level and found success in some of the nation's premier tournaments, including MLS NEXT Flex, the San Diego Surf Cup, and the Dallas Cup.

Gijs Velings | Graduate Student | Center Midfield | Bergharen, Netherlands

Velings transfers to Marist from IU Indy and the Horizon League, where he was a three-year starter at defensive center midfield. During his collegiate career, Velings appeared in 52 matches with 45 starts, recording one goal and two assists while taking 13 shots. Academically, he earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors and was recognized on both the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll and IU Indy's Academic Advisor's List. Prior to IU Indy, Velings played for FC Eindhoven's professional youth academy as a member of the U21 team and also spent time with Willem II and SC Woezik.