STANFORD, Calif. — Knowles Family Director of Men's Soccer Jeremy Gunn announced 12 new additions to the roster on Friday afternoon ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The Cardinal will welcome freshmen signees Hugo Berg, Jayden Fitzgerald Boes, Tim Fortier, Bennett Ewing, Yujin Kikuchi, Alex Ling, Maximo Nystrom, Carson Sagely, Logan Tsopanoglou, and Calder Zirn, as well as transfers TJ Kahoalii and Tim Logan this fall.
Incoming Freshmen
Hugo Berg | Center Back | Chicago, Ill.
Competed for Chicago Fire (2023-26)...Three-year team captain with Chicago Fire Academy (2023-25)...Made professional debut with Chicago Fire II on August 24, 2025…2024 MLS Next U15 Champion…Played on the Sweden (U15) and United States (U15, U16) Youth National Teams…Vlatko Markovic Tournament Champion with U15 United States Youth National Team…No. 57 recruit in the Class of 2026 according to TopDrawerSoccer.
Jeremy Gunn on Berg:
"Hugo is a tall, composed and technically refined defender who brings a modern and cultured profile to the position. He's continued to develop in the Chicago Fire FC environment and has gained valuable experience with Chicago Fire II. Hugo stands out for his passing range and composure, consistently setting teammates up for success. His leadership, maturity, and overall profile make him an excellent fit for our style of play."
Personal:
Son of Mattias and Sofie Berg…has one brother, Victor…intends to major in Management Science & Engineering…graduate of SAI Academy.
Jayden Fitzgerald Boes | Forward | Oakland, Calif.
Competed for San Jose Earthquakes (2025-26)...Previously spent time with Sacramento Republic (2023-24) and Association Football Club (2014-23)...Named MLS Next U19 Player to Watch for the 2025-26 season…No. 119 recruit in the Class of 2026 according to TopDrawerSoccer.
Jeremy Gunn on Fitzgerald Boes:
"An imposing and relentless forward, Jayden brings a mentality that sets the tone from the front. He has built a strong foundation across multiple competitive environments and has a proven track record of scoring goals and impacting games in decisive moments. Jayden thrives on pressing, stretching back lines, and consistently making life difficult for opposing defenses. His traits directly align with our identity, and his passionate personality and positive energy make him a valuable addition to our program culture."
Personal:
Son of Shawn Fitzgerald and Valerie Boes…has one sister, Nina…graduate of Laurel Springs High School.
Tim Fortier | Midfielder | Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Competed for Toronto FC (2025-26)...Made Toronto FC II debut on March 13, 2025, against Chicago Fire II…Served as team captain for the Toronto FC U18 team, leading them to an MLS Next regular season title in 2025…Represented the Canadian National Team at the U15, U17, and U20 levels…Played in the FIFA U17 World Cup, earning Player of the Match against France and helping Team Canada advance to the knockout rounds.
Jeremy Gunn on Fortier:
"Tim is a dynamic central midfielder with a relentless engine, and he impacts the game in all phases. Developed within Toronto FC and the Canadian National Team system, he brings a high standard of professionalism and tactical understanding. Tim excels in orchestrating attacks with his passing range and vision, and his ability to dictate tempo and connect play makes him a key presence in the midfield. Just as importantly, he's extremely coachable and is committed to continuous improvement, qualities that directly align with our program's standards."
Personal:
Son of Michael Fortier and Paige Backman…has one older brother, Kristjan…Mother, Paige, played water polo for the Canadian National Team (1989-1996)...Father, Michael, ran cross country at Dartmouth…brother, Kristjan, currently plays soccer at Syracuse…plans to major in Human Biology…graduate of St. Michael’s College School.
Bennett Ewing | Goalkeeper | Sandy, Utah
Competed for Real Salt Lake (2024-26)...Previously spent time with the Utah Avalanche and Utah ODP (2022-24)...Serves as RSL U18 team captain…Three-time MLS Next Cup Qualifier with Real Salt Lake Academy (2024-26)...ECNL National Playoff Qualifier with Utah Avalanche (2023)...Two-time ODP West Champion without conceding a goal (2023-24)...2024 ECNL Conference Cup All-Star…Two-time ECNL Mountain All-Conference U17 First Team Member (2023-24).
Jeremy Gunn on Ewing:
"Bennett is a commanding presence in goal, bringing size, authority, and leadership to the position. He's been immersed in a high-level environment within the Real Salt Lake Academy, and his top-level athleticism allows him to cover the goal effectively. Bennett brings structure and confidence to the back line, and his ability to rise in key moments makes him a reliable force between the posts."
Personal:
Son of Eric and Lauren Ewing…has one brother, Grady…great-grandfather, Russell, played halfback for California in the 1920s…intends to major in Management Science & Engineering…graduate of Alta High School.
Yujin Kikuchi | Winger | Chiba, Japan
Competed for San Jose Earthquakes (2024-26)...Previously spent time with Breakers FC (2023)...Made debut with San Jose Earthquakes II on July 25, 2025 against Real Monarchs...Played in the U17 GA Cup and MLS NEXT Fest with Quakes Academy...No. 92 recruit in the Class of 2026, according to TopDrawerSoccer.
Jeremy Gunn on Kikuchi:
"A dynamic and creative winger, Yujin is one of the most dangerous one-on-one players in this recruiting class. He's a local talent that brings an exciting attacking profile built on agility, balance, and technical sharpness. His ability to glide past defenders on the half turn allows him to accelerate play and catch defenses off-balance. He possesses the rare quality of producing game-changing moments, an attribute that will be invaluable in the demands of our conference."
Personal:
Son of Kaz and Makiko Kikuchi...has one sister, Miu...intends to major in Economics...graduate of Los Altos High School
Alex Ling | Center Back | Castro Valley, Calif.
Competed for San Jose Earthquakes (2023-26)...Previously spent time with Santa Clara Sporting Club (2022-23)...Three-year co-captain for the Quakes Academy (2024-26)...Reached the MLS Next Playoffs with the Quakes U17 and U18 Academy teams (2024-25)…Two-time ECNL Northern California All-Conference First Team Member (2022-23).
Jeremy Gunn on Ling:
"Alex is a tall, composed defender who brings a strong foundation and significant upside to our back line. Developed locally with the San Jose Earthquakes, he has a clear understanding of the defensive and build-up demands of the modern game. Alex is comfortable initiating attacks by breaking lines and setting the table for our playmakers, while defensively, his imposing size allows him to control duels. He is humble and composed off the field but is willing to impose himself physically when the moment demands it."
Personal:
Son of David and Talitha Ling…has one brother, Eric…Mother, Talitha, ran track at the University of Virginia…intends to major in Science, Technology, and Society…graduate of California Online Public Schools.
Maximo Nystrom | Center Back | Portland, Oregon
Competed for Portland Timbers (2019-26)…Made his professional debut with Timbers 2 on July 25, 2024…Served as team captain for the Timbers U15, U17, and U18 academy teams…Won the 2022 GA Cup with the Timbers U15 team…Invited to the U15 National Team Camp in 2021…No. 82 recruit in the Class of 2026 according to TopDrawerSoccer.
Jeremy Gunn on Nystrom:
“Maximo is a composed and technically refined defender that brings a modern profile to the position. He stands out for his exceptional passing range, comfort on the ball and ability to break lines to initiate attacks. His composure under pressure allows him to control tempo from the back and set a strong foundation for team play. Defensively, Maximo is committed and courageous, willing to put his body on the line in key moments. As he continues to grow into a leadership role, his presence, communication, and reliability will be valuable assets to our program.”
Personal: Son of Andrew and Morgan Nystrom…has one younger brother, August…Father, Andrew, played soccer at California…Mother, Morgan, rowed at Pennsylvania…graduate of Lincoln High School
Carson Sagely | Forward | Templeton, Calif.
Competed for LA Galaxy (2024-26)...Previously spent time with AC Brea and Central Coast Condors (2023-24)...Won the 2025 MLS Next Cup Championship with the LA Galaxy Academy U19 team, where he was the leading scorer…Led AC Brea in goals in 2024, guiding the club to a conference championship
Jeremy Gunn on Sagely:
“A relentless and versatile forward, Carson brings a blue-collar mentality paired with real attacking quality. Developed locally before being identified by LA Galaxy, Carson has a thirst to run vertically, fight with center backs, and press. He complements that work rate with technical ability, showing creativity as a dribbler and the flexibility to play in wide areas. Carson’s capable of scoring a variety of goals, adding both productivity and edge to our attacking group.”
Personal: Son of Michael and Sheree Sagely…has one older sister, Siena…intends to major in Science, Technology, and Society…graduate of California Online Public Schools.
Logan Tsopanoglou | Forward | Maple Valley, Wash.
Competed for Orlando City SC (2025-26)...Previously spent time with Florida West ECNL (2023-25), Seattle United ECNL (2023), and Seattle Sounders (2022-23)...Made professional debut with Orlando City B on March 8, 2026…Won Florida State Championship with Barron Collier High School his junior year, where he was team captain (2025)...No. 165 recruit in the Class of 2026 according to TopDrawerSoccer.
Jeremy Gunn on Tsopanoglou:
“Logan is a clinical and intelligent forward who has proved himself as a top performer in one of the country’s most competitive environments. Currently with Orlando City SC, he is consistently on the scoresheet for the top-ranked MLS NEXT side. Logan is sharp and decisive around the goal, while also excelling to bring others into attack during build-up phases. He brings a strong work ethic and willingness to press. His pathway reflects both resilience and upward trajectory, and we are excited about his continued development.”
Personal: Son of Jennifer and Loukas Tsopanoglou…has two siblings, Isabella and Mason…Cousin, Jonah, plays baseball for Sacramento State…intends to major in Management Science & Engineering…currently attends EdOptions Academy.
Calder Zirn | Forward | Woodside, Calif.
Competed for De Anza Force SC (2023-26)...Helped De Anza reach the Round of 16 in the MLS Next Cup Playoffs, where he led the U17 club with 18 goals and eight assists…Played his freshman season of high school at Sacred Heart Prep, reaching the CIF Central Coast Section semifinals.
Jeremy Gunn on Zirn:
“Calder is a physically imposing forward who brings rare tools to the attacking line. Developed locally with De Anza Force, he stands at 6’5” and uses his size and strength to consistently challenge and wear down opposing center backs. More than just a target forward, Calder has the mobility and speed to stretch defenses with runs in behind. With a strong work ethic and growth mindset, we are excited about his future development.”
Personal: Son of Leslie and Markus Zirn…has one older sister, Kellyn…plans to major in Symbolic Systems…graduate of Sacred Heart Preparatory.
Incoming Transfers
TJ Kahoalii | Midfielder | Whitman, Mass.
Spent two seasons at Louisville (2024-25), serving as team captain for 2025 season...Started 28 of his 34 appearances, tallying two goals and four assists...2024 graduate of Whitman Hanson Regional High School...Played for New England Revolution (2023-24) and Boston Bolts (2020-23)...Named an All-Star at the 2023 U17 MLS Academy Championships...Selected to the U20 Hawaiian National Team...2023 U.S. Futsal National Champion
Jeremy Gunn on Kahoalii
"A proven ACC performer and sophomore captain at Louisville, TJ is an experienced leader with consistent high-performance environment habits. His elite fitness, toughness, and willingness to do the hard work on both sides of the ball give him the potential to be an immediate impact player. TJ's competitive mentality, growth mindset, and ability to elevate those around him make him a natural fit for our culture and a valuable addition to the program."
Personal: Son of Jody and Travis Kahoalii...Has three siblings, Cody, Malia, and Boston...Both parents were student-athletes at Louisville — Jody (soccer) and Travis (baseball)...Cousin, Christine, played softball at Hawai'i-Hilo...Cousin, Creighton, played baseball at California and Hawai'i...Cousin, LJ, played baseball at UNC Greensboro before playing professionally in the Los Angeles Angels farm system...Active tribal member of the Tolowa Dee-Ni' nation
Tim Logan | Winger | Florham Park, N.J.
Spent one season at Georgetown (2025), winning the Big East Championship and reaching the Elite Eight...Made 17 appearances in his freshman campaign for the Hoyas...Scored a goal in his first career game vs. High Point (Aug. 21)...A four-year starter with the New York Red Bulls Academy Team (2022-25)...Was the top goal scorer for the club at the U-17 level...Appeared with Red Bulls II during the 2025 season...No. 97 recruit in TopDrawerSoccer's Class of 2025 rankings
Jeremy Gunn on Logan:
"Tim joined us this spring and is a dynamic attacking player who brings a blend of intelligence, fitness, and technical quality to our front line. He developed a comprehensive skillset with the New York Red Bulls Academy, showing the ability to play in between lines, run vertically, and isolate defenders one-on-one. His competitive mentality, consistency, and commitment to maximizing his potential make him an outstanding fit for our high-performing culture."
Personal: A 2025 graduate of Don Bosco Prep...Part of the National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society, National Business Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, and National Math Honor Society…Participates in the Real Estate Club, Red Bulls TOPSoccer Buddy Program, Rosary Club, and Veterans Affairs