Jordan Cardinale, entering his first year as Brock men's soccer head coach, has made an early mark on the program with a large 2025 recruiting class.

The Badgers announced the signings of Ibrahim Ahmat, Gabriele Altomare, Miguel Betancourt, Noah Del Vecchio, Athol Munro, Nikola Neskovic, Nathaniel Oliveira, Xavier Rowe, Isaac Sloan and Lucas Spinosa on Friday, Aug. 22. 

"This is one of the youngest, most exciting groups we've ever brought in; full of consistent energy, fearlessness and discipline," Cardinale said. "These are the traits that will shape the future of our program. These young men chose Brock not just for the name on the crest, but for the opportunity it provides to compete to play early, the standards we set and the grind we live every day." 

Starting off the recruiting class is Ahmat, a six-foot-one defender, who most recently played for the St. Catharines Roma Wolves in League1 Ontario. 

The Hamilton, Ont., native and incoming Social Sciences student helped Westdale Secondary School win two city championships. He also played every game for Hamilton United during the 2024 League1 season which culminated in being a Second Team All-Star selection. 

"I'm looking forward to playing with talented teammates and competing at a high level," Ahmat said. "I know that I'm dedicated and work hard, and I'm excited to contribute to the team."  

Altomare, a 5-10 midfielder, is coming off two seasons with the Saskatchewan Huskies where he appeared in 11 games.  

Prior to the Huskies, the future Business Administration major was named an AA First Team All-Star with Seycove Secondary School in North Vancouver, B.C. 

"I really like what Coach Cardinale is building and could see myself fitting in and playing a key role in the long-term vision," Altomare said. "I heard many good things about the coaching staff, players and the university as a whole."   

Betancourt is a defender who adds size at six-foot-two and comes to the Badgers from Pickering, Ont., and St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School. 

His club experience with both the Durham Soccer Club and Woodbridge Soccer Club should provide him the tools needed at the next level. 

"Brock's play style fits with mine," Betancourt said. "The team will help me to grow while also being able to lead me in the right direction for my future career." 

Another Hamilton United League1 player joining the Badgers is Del Vecchio, a 6-3 defender who will add another large presence on the back line. 

The local St. Catharines native has suited up for WNY Flash Academy and recently played one season for Northland College, a National College Athletics Association (NCAA) Division III school. 

"What intrigued me most was the players and coaches that make up the team," Del Vecchio said. "With Brock going to the playoffs the past three seasons in a row, this is a team atmosphere I want to be a part of."  

Munro has played for Burlington Soccer Club in both League 1 and League 2 and hails from Mississauga, Ont. 

The 5-11 defender was on the Ontario provincial Xcel team at the U16 and U17 levels and has previously played for Team Ontario. 

"Brock University offered what I believe is the best Business Communication program around to help me achieve my goals," Munro said. "The athletic environment is competitive where I can push myself and grow as a player."

Neskovic, a 6-5 goalkeeper from Mississauga, Ont., has experience in club with North Toronto and at the highest level of high school competition. 

At St. Martin Secondary School, the incoming Kinesiology major won two consecutive gold medals at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) AAA Championships. In that run, Neskovic made a memorable save on the last penalty kick of the shootout to help his team make the semifinals. 

"I chose to attend Brock because the program was very appealing," Neskovic said. "I wanted to further my education while getting the proper university experience, and for me Brock was the best spot I could get that."  

Hailing from Binbrook, Ont., and Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, Oliveira will add to the midfield for the Badgers as someone who has experience winning city titles and appearing at the OFSAA Championships. 

With Rush Canada Academy, the Physical Education enrollee played in League1 U20 and won every game at the First Touch Football (FTF) tournament.  

"Brock's location is relatively close to home which allows me to stay connected with family and friends for support while completing my studies," Oliveira said. "Playing for the varsity men's soccer team will allow me to still compete at a very high level for the sport I love." 

Fortifying the wings, will be Rowe, a 5-9 forward who makes his way to St. Catharines from Toronto and Bishop Allen Academy. 

With Sigma Football Club, he has played in League1 Reserves, League2 and the Ontario Player Development League. He was an Ontario Summer Games champion in 2022 and was an OPDL finalist in both 2021 and 2022. 

"I thought the school would be a great fit for me not just athletically but also academically," Rowe said.  "The programs and class flexibility offered partnered with the great soccer team made the school a great fit for me." 

Rowe plans to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration at the University.  

Cardinale continues to add to the defensive side of the ball by bringing in Sloan, a 5-11 fullback from Toronto, Ont., and Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School. 

In League1 Ontario, the future Sports Management major has multiple years of experience having played for both Burlington Soccer Club and Prostars Football Club. 

"The program is very well known and will set me up for a successful career," Sloan said. "The soccer team was my priority, so once that worked out it was a no-brainer."  

The last recruit to join the Badgers is Spinosa, who is another Hamilton, Ont., native and Bishop Allen graduate joining the Badgers. 

The 6-0 defender earned an OFSAA bronze medal in his fifth year of high school with Bishop Ryan along with Oliveira, his new Brock teammate. Spinsoa also captained Scrosoppi FC who competed in League 2 Ontario and added a League 1 Cup to his trophy cabinet.  

"Brock has a great Physical Education program, and I can't wait to get started," Spinosa said. "I could not pass up the opportunity to be part of a competitive team and to represent a university a proud athletic tradition." 

The 2025 recruiting class is joining a Badgers program that has qualified for the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) playoffs the past three seasons."