On the heels of the first BIG EAST title in program history, head coach Paul Snape and the Butler men's soccer program have signed a strong recruiting class prior to the 2017 campaign.

SMU transfer Brandon Guhl joins six incoming freshmen in the class. Usman Gil Ivern of Spain arrives in Indianapolis via Montverde Academy, while Joel Harvey, Sam Keener, Ethan King, Justin Savona, and Jack Woods all enjoyed a high level of success during their respective prep careers.

"I want to thank my coaching staff for their hard work, dedication and perseverance in recruiting some outstanding student-athletes into our program," said Snape, who enters his seventh season on the Butler sidelines. "We have been very patient with putting this class together. We made sure that we did our due diligence in regard to finding the right players for our specific needs for the 2017 team. This recruiting class is an exciting blend of talent, athleticism, experience, and most importantly, genuine character! I anticipate that a few of these players will have an immediate impact this fall. I also believe that this group of young men will continue to improve and develop each year, and provide our program with a rock solid foundation of ability and leadership. As I frequently tell our players, 'You develop a team to achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone'. I know that these seven players will instantly contribute to our team's incredible unity and spirit….Go Dawgs!"

The Bulldogs return a quality core including All-BIG EAST performers Jared Timmer, Lewis Suddick and Isaac Galliford. Keeper Eric Dick and midfielder Eric Leonard joined Timmer on the All-BIG EAST Tournament Team. The 2016 Bulldogs won the BIG EAST title and earned the No. 15 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, finishing the campaign with a 13-5-2 record. 

Butler opens the 2017 season by hosting an exhibition match against Michigan August 12.

2017 Butler Recruiting Class

Usman Gil Ivern, Riudecanyes, Catalonia, Spain /Montverde Academy (Fla.)
In his native Spain, Gil Ivern starred for Club Gimnàstic de Tarragona. He finished his prep career at Montverde Academy in Florida, playing for coach Mike Potempa, who previously coached at Clemson as the Tigers advanced to the 2005 College Cup. Montverde is the No. 1-ranked high school program in the country.

Usman Gil Ivern on choosing Butler: "I see my future in Butler. It is the ideal university to develop my academic and athletic skills."

Brandon Guhl, Houston, Texas/Clear Lake/SMU
Guhl transfers to Butler after spending his freshman campaign at SMU. He appeared in eight games for the Mustangs during the 2016 season. Prior to arriving at SMU, Guhl was the top goal scorer in Texas as well as the leading scorer in the Central Conference of the United States Soccer Development Academy. He ranked third in the United States in scoring during the 2014-15 US Soccer Academy season with 31 goals in 30 games. He was a member of the U18 Texas Rush Academy and led his team to the 2015 Academy playoffs and a top 10 finish nationally. He was honored with a place on the 2014-15 US Soccer Development Academy Central Conference Starting XI.

Brandon Guhl on choosing Butler: "I chose to attend Butler because it is an outstanding academic institution and a great fit for me personally. In addition, I feel that the coaching staff has offered an incredible opportunity to help me develop into the best player possible."

Joel Harvey, Decatur, Ind./Bellmont
Harvey led his Indiana Fire Academy club team to the 2017 US Soccer Academy playoffs, registering seven goals in his final season, and being regarded one of the best midfielders in the Central Conference of the United States Soccer Development Academy. He earned summa cum laude academic honors at Bellmont High School.

Joel Harvey on choosing Butler: "When I first stepped foot on Butler's campus, it felt like home. Everyone was so outgoing and friendly everywhere I went, making me feel right at home. Not only does Butler have an incredible men's soccer program, but Butler also excels in the classroom. Finding a school that excelled on the sports field as well as in the classroom was very important to me, and at Butler you get the best of both worlds."
 
Sam Keener, Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Jerome
As a goalkeeper for the Ohio Premier Club team, Keener helped the team to three state league championships and was the team captain. At Dublin Jerome High School, he was a two-year letterwinner, earning second-team conference honors while helping the squad to conference and district championships, as well as an appearance in the regional semifinals. Academically, he is an honor roll student who graduated with cum laude honors.

Sam Keener on choosing Butler: "I chose Butler because of the strong academic reputation for my field of study. Adding a soccer program that has a strong reputation in the Midwest with a great coaching staff on top of the academics made Butler an easy choice for me."
 
Ethan King, Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven
King helped his team to the ODP National Championships after winning the ODP Region II championship. His Midwest United FC team won the MSYSA state championship. At Grand Haven High School, he was a two-year starter and three-year letterwinner, earning honors at the district, conference and state levels. An accomplished student, King ranked among the top 10 percent of his graduating class and was an All-State Academic Team selection.

Ethan King on choosing Butler: "Butler University is an incredible learning institution and boasts one of the best soccer programs in the nation. I'm honored to have the opportunity to play and develop under the leadership of Coach Snape and his staff. As a student-athlete, I look forward to contributing to Butler's ongoing success both on the pitch and in the classroom."
 
Justin Savona, Northville, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central
Savona starred for the Canton Celtic club program, helping the team to a record of 63-14-19, including the 2015 State Cup championship. He recorded 74 goals and 49 assists in those 96 matches. At Detroit Central Catholic, he led the team to his first regional championships since 1996 and the team was ranked No. 1 in the state for the first time in program history. Savona was an honorable mention All-State selection in addition to honors at the league, district, region and All-Catholic levels. His extensive academic accolades include high honor roll and having the highest GPA in his class for several quarters.

Justin Savona on choosing Butler: "The minute I stepped onto the campus, I knew I had to be a Bulldog. Butler University has built a highly competitive atmosphere, which I believe will create a great challenge for me both academically and athletically. The Butler soccer program has one of the best coaching staffs in the country, and I know I will be able to develop into a high level soccer player with their help."
 
Jack Woods, Westlake, Texas/Westlake Academy
Woods spent his prep career with the Solar Chelsea U18 Development Academy. As a student at Westlake Academy, he earned National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society accolades.

Jack Woods on choosing Butler: "I chose Butler University because the soccer program and academics here are both very strong and Coach Snape showed faith in my abilities and potential. I believe I will develop to be a much stronger player here at Butler and contribute to the success of the team."