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As Georgia Southern men’s soccer awaits word on an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, the program just got a major boost for its future. Head coach Lee Squires announced the signing of three highly-touted recruits as part of the 2026 class, including an ECNL All-American, an MLS Next defender, and a professional academy captain from England.

Coming off a season that saw the Eagles spend six consecutive weeks in the national rankings, these additions signal a serious commitment to building a perennial contender in the Sun Belt Conference and beyond.


Meet the Newest Eagles

1. Broden Beorlegui – 6’2” Forward (Bradenton, FL)
Lakewood Ranch High School / Florida Premier FC (ECNL)

A prolific goal scorer with elite size, Beorlegui brings serious firepower to the Eagles’ front line. The Florida native led Florida Premier FC to three straight ECNL Florida Conference Championships and earned All-American honors after netting seven goals in the latest campaign. He was also named Florida Conference Player of the Year and drew trial invites from top European clubs, including Paderborn (Bundesliga).

“Broden is an old-school center forward who loves scoring goals,” said Coach Squires. “He’s one of the Southeast’s best, and it shows in his Top 200 national ranking from TopDrawerSoccer.”

2. Nicholas Levine – 6’2” Center Back (Tampa, FL)
Newsome High School / Tampa Bay United (MLS NEXT)

Levine adds immediate depth and quality to the Eagles’ backline. A standout with Tampa Bay United, he was selected for the 2023-24 Southern Region ODP team and featured in Florida’s U17 All-Star Game this past February.

“Nick is an accomplished defender who reads the game well and isn’t afraid to play out of the back,” said Squires. “His experience in MLS NEXT and training with the Tampa Bay Rowdies gives him a strong foundation.”

3. Ezra Amadi-Emina – 6’3” Center Back (Stockton-on-Tees, England)
Blackpool FC Academy (UK)

Ezra brings a European pedigree to the Eagles’ defense. A former U-18 captain at Blackpool FC, Amadi-Emina has made several appearances for the club’s Development Team. His vocal leadership, tactical IQ, and passing range make him a high-upside international signing.

“Ezra has all the tools — strength, size, and a high-level football education from the English academy system,” said Squires. “We’re thrilled he’s joining us this spring.”


A Program on the Rise

The 2025 Eagles finished 13-3-1 overall and ranked in multiple national polls — just one win shy of clinching an automatic NCAA bid. They’ll find out if they’ve done enough to earn an at-large spot during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 17 at 1 PM ET.

Should Georgia Southern get in, it would be the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, capping a season that included a victory over in-state rival Georgia State and standout performances from award-winning players like:

  • Noah HolmstromSun Belt Defensive Player of the Year
  • Emil SeedorffSun Belt Freshman of the Year
  • Ricky LouisHermann Trophy Watch List forward

Coach Squires’ squad has become one of the most exciting stories in the Sun Belt and one of the top underdog programs to watch in the Southeast.


What This Means for Georgia Soccer

These signings aren’t just a win for Georgia Southern — they’re a sign of the growing appeal of college soccer in Georgia and the Southeast. With MLS NEXT, ECNL, and international pathways converging, programs like Georgia Southern are proving they can recruit, develop, and compete on the national stage.

If the Eagles land that NCAA berth, the 2026 class will arrive on a campus buzzing with momentum and expectation.

“We’re building something special here,” said Squires. “This class is a reflection of where we’re headed — and we’re just getting started.”


Your Turn: Can the Eagles Crack the NCAA Field?

Will Georgia Southern’s resume be enough to earn them a tournament bid? Which new signee are you most excited about?

Join the conversation!
Comment below or tag @AtlantaSoccerNews on X and Instagram with your predictions or support for the Eagles.

Quique Lopez
Author: Quique Lopez

Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.

Avatar of Quique Lopez

By Quique Lopez

Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.