Bulls Add More Top-Level Talent With Eight New Signees

By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, MAY 22, 2018 – Head coach Bob Butehorn is excited about the future of USF men's soccer with the addition of the eight-member 2018 signing class.

USF added four new midfielders – Felipe Baptista, Daniel Cabrera, Richard Laval and Gordon Phipps. The Bulls also bolstered their defense with two defenders – Javain Brown and Henrique Gallina – on top of signing a pair of goalkeepers – Kazuna Takase and Berk Watson.

"Building a solid foundation for a successful, consistent and lasting championship culture takes time and the right pieces," Butehorn said. "I believe our coaching staff has done another exceptional job in finding those student-athletes for the next level of our foundation. We're definitely excited for the challenges and successes that lie ahead."

Learn about each new Bull in the 2018 signing class below:

Felipe Baptista
Midfielder
(Pembroke Pines, Fla.)

Plays for Kendall SC U-19 in U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

"Felipe has exceptional field awareness and game sense," Butehorn said. "These abilities, along with his technical efficiency and high soccer IQ, make him an outstanding fit for our program."

Javain Brown
Defender
(Kingston, Jamaica)

Jamaican National Team – recent starts against Turkey, South Korea, St. Kitts, & Barbados.
Plays for Harbour View FC in Jamaica.
Captain of his school team, Kingston College.

"Javain's playing pedigree is almost unmatched for any incoming freshman," Butehorn said. "To play and start for his full national team speaks volumes about the player entering our program. His experience will definitely help in solidifying our back line."

Daniel Cabrera
Midfielder
(Windermere, Fla.)

Plays for Orlando City SC U-19 in U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
Prior to moving to Florida, played for Texas Rush Academy.

"As a midfielder, Daniel checks a majority of the boxes for traits we look for in a player," Butehorn said. "Technical ability, competitive, critical thinking, and ambition – all components of Daniel's game. We look forward to watching his game develop."

Henrique Gallina
Defender
(Atibaia, Brazil)

Played for Palmeiras FC in Brazil.
Spent time in Southern California training with FC Golden State of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

"Henrique is an impressive defender with a promising skill set for the next level," Butehorn said. "The standards he has set for himself and his game will unquestionably have a positive impact on our program."

Richard Laval
Midfielder
(Madrid, Spain)

Plays for Atlético Madrid U-19.
Champions Division of Honor 2017/18.

"Richard's playing pedigree speaks for itself," Butehorn said. "We expect it will not take long to adapt his ability to be successful in the college game."

Gordon Phipps
Midfielder/Defender
(Weston, Fla.)

Plays for Boca United Football Club's U-19 team in U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

"We believe Gordon's game will flourish in our environment," Butehorn said. "His work rate, passing range, and comfort on the ball make him the ideal mold for a box-to-box midfielder."

Kazuna Takase
Goalkeeper
(Tokyo, Japan)

Represented Japan at the U-16, U-18 national team levels.
Plays for FC Tokyo U-23.

"Another outstanding job of recruiting by our coaching staff," Butehorn said. "Kazuna is a very talented GK. His skill set and athletic ability definitely have his game on a trajectory for the next level."

Berk Watson
Goalkeeper
(Roswell, Ga.)

Plays for Concorde Fire U-19 in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

"Berk is an outstanding prospect for our program," Butehorn said. "His size, strength and athleticism have our coaching staff excited for his future here at USF."

About USF Men's Soccer
The Bulls concluded the 2017 regular season with a 6-6-4 overall record and finished fifth in the American Athletic Conference with a 3-2-2 mark.

Follow the men's soccer team on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.

– #GoBulls –

Bulls Add More Top-Level Talent With Eight New Signees

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