WASHINGTON (July 17, 2019) – Coach Phillip Gyau and the Howard University Men's Soccer program welcomed 11 new faces to its 2019 roster, featuring five midfielders, four forwards and two defenders throughout North America.
 
"We have big expectations for our incoming class," said Coach Gyau. "We've added depth to a veteran cast. We're looking forward to having a great season."
 
This group joins a veteran cast, led by 2018 Sun Belt All-Conference selection Carlos Caro (Silver Spring, Md.).
 
Here is more information on the 11 newcomers:

Joseph Abusada (Houston Dynamo Youth DA/Clear Lake H.S./Houston, Texas) – Midfield
 
Abusada comes to Howard from Houston where he was First Team All-District at Clear Lake H.S. and also participated with the Houston Dynamo Youth (USSDA). The three-year captain won the 2019 District title during his senior year. Also, he led the Houstonians FC to a National Championship and USYSA Regionals crown.
 
Silas Baker (Next Level Soccer/Meade H.S./Ford Meade, Md.) – Forward
 
Baker arrives at the Hilltop where he was a scholar athlete on and off the field. He earned First Team All-State while guiding his club to a pair of State Finals (2015, 2017). Also, Baker was presented the Capital Gazette award for high school scholars.
 
Brian Ballard (Solar DA/Frisco H.S./Frisco, Texas) – Forward
 
Ballard hails from Frisco, Texas where he guided multiple teams to championships. In 2017, he won the Texas State Cup title and US Youth Soccer Region III Championship. Ballard most recently played with Solar Soccer Club (USSDA). The Texas native plans to major in computer science.
 
Julian Bennett (St. Louis Scott Gallagher/Christian Brothers College H.S./St. Louis, Mo.) – Defense
 
Bennett comes to the Mecca after winning the 2018 State Championship Class 4 at Christian Brothers College H.S. He also won the 2017 Missouri State Club Soccer State title with St. Louis Scott Gallagher SLSG.
 
Logan Cobb (Minnesota Thunder DA/Apple Valley H.S./Apple Valley, Minn.) – Midfield
 
Cobb hails from Minnesota where he led multiple squads to first place finishes. In the Overland Park Tournament, he guided the club to victory while being named the tourney's most valuable player.
 
Alex Flores (Next Level Soccer/Archbishop Spalding H.S./Severn, Md.) – Midfield
 
Flores made Anne Arundel Second Team All-County at Archbishop Spalding H.S. where he was the squad's leading goal scorer. The four-year starter is the current captain of the NLS Juventus Elite 00'.
 
Mohammed Jobe (LASC/Eleanor Roosevelt H.S./Los Angeles, CA) – Midfield/Forward
 
Jobes arrives after being a four-year varsity member at Eleanor Roosevelt H.S. (ERHS). At ERHS, he won the team's 2018 Offensive Most Valuable Player. The California product plans to major in Business.
 
James Johnson (Keystone College/ Burtonsville, Md.) – Defense
 
Johnson enters 2019 as a transfer from Keystone College in Pennsylvania. While attending Keystone, he guided the squad to a conference title and made CSAC All-Conference First Team.
 
Adrian Morgan (Florida Fire DA/Hinsdale South H.S./Darien, Ill.) – Forward
 
Morgan attended school in Naples, Fla. until he moved to Darien, Ill., where he finished his high school career at Hinsdale South while also playing for the Chicago Fire Academy (USSDA). In summer 2017, he trained with Crystal Palace FC in London.
 
Ethan Persad (ANB Futbol Academy/Oakville Trafalgar H.S./Ontario, Canada) – Midfield
 
Persad comes in as this year's lone international newcomer from Ontario, Canada. He played for the Ontario Provincial Soccer Team where he won numerous Soccer Academy Alliance League titles.
 
Alex Taylor (Concorde Fire DA/Woodward Academy/College Park, Ga.) – Midfield
 
Taylor hails from the Peach State where he was a three-time All Regional 4A High School Team selection at Woodward Academy. The Georgia native also made the Region III ODP Team and played for Concorde Fire DA (USSDA).

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.