SOUTH BEND, Ind. – McFarland Family Head Men’s Soccer Coach Chad Riley announced eight new additions to the Notre Dame men’s soccer program on Thursday as part of the 2026 incoming freshmen class.
The Irish have the top-ranked class of the year according to Top Drawer Soccer, with five players landing in the top 200 of the outlet’s rankings.
“I’m excited that we’re one step closer to bringing this exceptional group of young men to Notre Dame,” said Riley. “They embody everything we look for. They’re serious, ambitious students, athletes, and people. We can’t wait to get started working with them.”
The eight players that make up the class are Eli Ackerman, Michael Capretto, Patrick Cuneo, Adrian Hrvojevic, Evan Lim, Maverick McCoy, Thaddeus Sawyer and Tristan Tropeano.
ELI ACKERMAN
Position: Defender
Club: New England Revolution
Hometown: Natick, Massachusetts
Why Notre Dame?
“On top of Notre Dame being a great academic and athletic school, the culture around the team and campus was amazing. It really made me excited and able to see myself there for 4 years.”
MICHAEL CAPRETTO
Position: Forward
Club: FC Delco
Hometown: Hockessin, Delaware
Why Notre Dame?
- Rich tradition of success
- I love all the coaches and staff working for the soccer program
- Competitive, successful soccer team
- Great academics and alumni network
- Amazing campus and college life
PATRICK CUNEO
Position: Forward
Club: NYCFC & FC Westchester
Hometown: Patterson, New York
Why Notre Dame?
“I chose Notre Dame because when I visited, I knew that Notre Dame would give me the opportunity to be great, whether it be in soccer or not in soccer. Notre Dame will give me the perfect, well-rounded college experience and enable me to meet new and incredible people.”
ADRIAN HRVOJEVIC
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: HNK Hajduk Split
Hometown: Wilmette, Illinois
EVAN LIM
Position: Midfielder
Club: NYCFC
Hometown: Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Why Notre Dame?
“I had always heard about how academically rigorous Notre Dame was, so naturally, I have always wanted to go there. Additionally, when I visited, I was really impressed with the athletic facilities and campus.”
MAVERICK McCOY
Position: Defender
Club: Indy Eleven
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana
Why Notre Dame?
“I believe that Notre Dame is the place where I can achieve both my academic and athletic goals. The faith-based culture of the University and the legacy of the Mendoza College of Business closely parallels my own beliefs and ambition, as well as the historic soccer program.”
THADDEUS SAWYER
Position: Defender
Club: Nashville SC
Hometown: Savannah, Georgia
Why Notre Dame?
“I found a great connection with the staff and loved the campus. The academics are some of the best in the country and I also was able to talk with alumni and hear fantastic things about the soccer program along with Notre Dame’s college community.”
TRISTAN TROPEANO
Position: Midfielder
Club: Nashville SC & Huntsville City FC
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Why Notre Dame?
“Notre Dame has an incredible soccer team and is undeniably one of the best universities in the country. From my first visit, the coaches made me feel at home. Because of the rigorous academics coupled with a strong Christ-centered environment, I felt it to be the best place I could choose.”