CHARLESTON, S.C. – College of Charleston men's soccer head coach Keith Wiggans has announced the signing of seven players who will join the Cougar program this fall.

The group includes incoming freshmen Leonardo D'Ambrosio, Daniel Pereira, Jude Swails and Tom Wilson as well as graduate transfers Justin Bauer (South Carolina), Nick Burnz (Davis & Elkins) and Jacob Nunner (Michigan).

"I am very excited about the 2021 class. They will be great additions to our current group," said Wiggans. "All of them have played the game at a high level and have the ability to make an impact right away. I know everyone is committed, and I am excited to see what we can produce in the fall."

Justin Bauer | Goalkeeper | Oviedo, Fla. 
Earned bachelor's degree in marketing from South Carolina … made seven starts in 2018, registered 17 saves and had a 1.21 goals against average … participated in two shutouts including a start against USC Upstate … two-time member of the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.

Wiggans on Bauer: "Justin is a talented goalkeeper who brings college experience and great leadership to our team. He is quick off his line and aggressive. He and Jacob will add strong depth to our goalkeeper position."

Nick Burnz | Wingback | Park City, Utah 
Earned bachelor's degree in exercise science from Davis & Elkins … played one season at D&E, starting all 17 games and scoring one goal … helped anchor defense which recorded four shutouts … named to all-conference freshman team.

Wiggans on Burnz: "Nick is a strong outside back who has a great presence on the field. He has a solid knowledge of the game does a good job communicating with his teammates. His abilities will help him fit into the team right away."

Leonardo D'Ambrosio | Wing and Attacking Midfielder | Turin, Italy
Played for youth team of Torino F.C. of Italian Seria A … spent the past two years playing against adult competition in the Italian fourth division … can play with both feet but is naturally left-footed.

Wiggans on D'Ambrosio: "Leo is a talented player with the ability to play on the wing or an attacking role in the center midfield. He has played at a high and will add great experience to our attack. He sees the game well and will help create opportunities for himself and his teammates. He's a great young man and enjoyable to be around and a great addition to our team chemistry."

Jacob Nunner | Goalkeeper | Shelby Township, Michigan
Earned bachelor's degree from Michigan … named Academic All-Big Ten in 2020 … participated at the U.S. National Team Camp in 2014 and National Team Combine in 2015.

Wiggans on Nunner: "Jacob will give us great depth at the goalkeeper position and bring an incredible work ethic that is motivating to his teammates. He is strong and powerful and commands his box well. He and Justin are great additions to our goalkeeper core."

Daniel Pereira | Center Back/Right Back | Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, Azores
Has international experience playing in his native Portugal … most recently played in 11 matches at the Campeonato (Championship) Portugal and one in the Portuguese Cup.

Wiggans on Pereira: "Daniel comes with a strong background of high-level soccer. His knowledge of the game and athletic ability will help him transition quickly. He will help strengthen our back line."

Jude Swails | Center Half | Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
Has played for Newcastle United U21 and U23 teams … saw action in seven matches and 496 minutes in Premier League 2 – Division 2.

Wiggans on Swails: "Jude comes from a very talented club and has been a leader the whole time. He demands a lot of himself and his teammates. He will look to strengthen our back line with his ability, and his leadership skills will be evident immediately."

Tom Wilson | Center Half | Carlisle, England
Played for Carlisle United since July 2020.

Wiggans on Wilson: "Tom was a player we identified early. He is experienced with the ability to play anywhere along the back line. He is strong 1v1 defensively and very comfortable on the ball. He will challenge for minutes right away."