University of Delaware Athletics
Men's Soccer Introduces 10 Newcomers Ahead of 2025 Season
7/29/2025 3:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEWARK, Del. – 10 newcomers will be joining the University of Delaware men's soccer team ahead of the 2025 season, head coach Tommy McMenemy announced Tuesday. Eight freshmen are joined by two transfer students.
"This is a well-crafted class that will add depth and competition to several key areas identified by our staff," McMenemy said. "Coach Makar and the rest of our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure we've added young men who not only offer quality on the field, but who will also embody our program's values in the classroom and in the community. We couldn't be more excited to welcome this group of young men to campus."
JoJo Elliott Jr. | GK | Hockessin, Del. | Philadelphia Union Academy
A Delaware native, Elliott joins the Fightin' Blue Hens from the Philadelphia Union Academy where he was the starting goalkeeper for the U18 Union Academy. He has extensive training experience with both Union II and the Union MLS first team. In 2024, Elliott was part of the Union U17 Generation Adidas Cup Champions.
"JoJo is a top young goalkeeper, and possesses the physical and technical tools to go a long way in the game," McMenemy said. "He comes from an elite playing environment in the Philadelphia Union, and is an excellent trainer who wants to get better every day. He will help to push the level of both the goalkeeping corps and the team overall."
Beckett Field | D | Lower Merion, Pa. | FC Delco
Field joins the team as a two-year starter and one-year captain from Lower Merion High School. He was the 2024 Central League MVP runner-up and was named to both the First Team All-Central League and the All-State Team last season. Field played at the club level for FC Delco at both the ECNL and MLS Next level (2021-25).
"Beckett is a naturally left-sided attacker from FC Delco, and one of the best crossers of the ball I've seen out of the youth game in some time," McMenemy said. "He's a very composed player with real quality and we're excited to help him develop to the point that he can consistently influence the outcome of a game."
Cole Frederick | D | Wayne, Pa. | FC Delco
Frederick comes to Newark after winning four Central League Championships with Conestoga High School, as a four-year starter and two-year captain. He was part of the PIAA State Championship teams in 2021 and 2023. Frederick earned First Team All-Main Line honors in 2023 and 2024 as well as First Team All-Central League in 2024. Frederick played club soccer for FC Delco, where he served as a team captain for the past two years with the U17 and U19 MLS Next teams.
"Cole is another FC Delco product who is on his way back to full sharpness after some time out through injury," McMenemy said. "He's the kind of defender who thrives off contact and loves the physicality of defending. He's a great communicator and his energy on the field is infectious."
Freddy Jeffreys | M | Leeds, England | Bradford City
An England native, Jeffreys joins the team after spending his youth career at Bradford City playing his way through the youth academy levels to making his senior team debut in 2023 before going on loan at Scottish League Two-member, Elgin City. Scouted by several Premier League and Championship level clubs, Jeffreys chose to retain his NCAA eligibility and pursue a new experience studying in the US.
"Freddy comes to us after spending over a decade with Bradford F.C.," McMenemy said. "He's a highly intelligent footballer who knows how to dictate the tempo of the game. His level awareness and technique are top-end and will help us to turn periods of possession into dangerous moments."
Colin Kelly | D | Baltimore, Md. | Pipeline SC
Kelly comes to UD after being a two-year starter and one-year captain at Calvert Hall College High School. He earned Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association All-Conference recognition, Second Team All-Metro honors, and Second Team Elite Clubs National League in 2024. Kelly was also a member of the National Honors Society.
"Colin is a physical center-back that loves to defend and is our latest addition of many from Pipeline SC," McMenemy said. "He's strong and quick in 1v1 situations and is composed and intelligent in possession of the ball. He will add great depth to our back line."
Emmett Kershner | D | Baltimore, Md. | Pipeline SC
Kershner came to Newark as a mid-year transfer in the spring of 2025 after spending the fall semester at Hofstra University. Prior to Hofstra, he was a four-year member of the boys' soccer team at the McDonough School where he earned the Coach's Award his senior year. Kershner also won an ECNL National Championship with his Pipeline Soccer Club team in 2022.
"Emmett is a versatile player who has a great feel for the game. His speed and technique make him a play making threat from the full-back position, but he can also offer options higher in the team. He had a very good spring with the team and brings good experience to the group having been at an excellent Hofstra program."
Connor Parry | M | Albercarn, Wales | Thomas University
Parry joins the Blue Hens after spending four years at Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga. He was a four-year starter and tallied nine goals and eight assists in his career. He is a product of Cardiff City FC's youth academy in Wales.
"Connor comes to us from Thomas University where he has spent his last 4 years," McMenemy said." He is a quick and lively winger who loves to get in behind defenders and has a nose for goal. His ability to stretch defenses will open up the game for others and his maturity and experience will be great for the group on and off the field."
Liam Penny | M | New London, Pa. | PA Classics
Penny comes to Newark after being a four-year starter and one-year captain at Avon Grove High School. Penny has been a member of PA Classics MLS Next since 2020 having competed for the U19s for his junior and senior years. His impact at PA Classics led to his selection for the Capelli North America Select team in the summer of 2024.
"Liam is a PA Classics product, where he has been an impactful starter for some time," McMenemy said. "He's a mature player who makes great decisions in possession and will impact those around him in a positive way. He also offers a goal threat and has been productive from set-pieces for his team in the last few years."
Joe Richards | D | Leeds, England | Leeds United
Richards joins the Blue Hens after being a four-year starter with the Leeds United Club. In 2024, he played in the FA Youth Cup final at Etihad Stadium with the U18s before signing with the U21s. Richards then went on a brief loan to make his professional debut for South Shields FC. Upon his return to Leeds U21s, his team went on to win the National League Cup in 2025.
"Joe comes to us from Leeds United, where he has played at almost every level since he joined the club at 8 years old," McMenemy said. "Though primarily an attacking right-back, Joe has the pedigree and intelligence to help us in any number of positions including central midfield or right-wing. His professionalism and his experience playing in big games will also add huge value to our group."
Patrick VanLuvanee | GK | Chalfont, Pa. | FC Delco
VanLuvanee heads to Newark after being a two-year starter and captain at Central Bucks South High School. He was a member of the 2024 Colonial Division winning team and the 2023 Boys 2A PIAA runner-up team. In addition to his success in high school, VanLuvanee has extensive experience at the MLS academy level having played six years at NY Red Bulls Academy before concluding his youth career at FC Delco for the U17 and U19 MLS Next teams.
"Pat is another talented FC Delco product who will join Darian McCauley's corps of 4 goalkeepers," McMenemy said. "Pat is a top-level shot-stopper with great instincts and is capable of making the save that keeps you in the game. I believe he will flourish in the college soccer environment."
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