Linfield College men's soccer coach Adam Howard announced his third recruiting class this week. The class of 2018 includes three student-athletes from Oregon, three from Washington and one from Idaho. With a focus on increasing offensive production, Howard is bringing in five attackers and two defenders to help solidify a young back line. All of the newcomers have applied to Linfield College, paid their admission deposit and are set to be enrolled for the fall semester.
 
"We are very excited for this talented group of student-athletes to step on campus," said Howard. "We are adding a group of men who are dedicated to being successful in both the classroom and on the soccer field."
 
Howard praised his recruits' skills and willingness to embrace the Linfield ethos.
 
"These seven individuals have great soccer backgrounds and have competed on the highest stages for high school and club soccer. Particularly on the attacking side of the ball, this group is expected to have an impact right away. They all exhibit tremendous character, discipline and toughness and will help our program continue to grow and establish the culture we desire. Their level of commitment to academics and athletics fits well with our mission here at Linfield and our soccer program."
 
Here's a quick glance at the seven newest Wildcats:
 
Name: Cesar Espindola
Position: Forward
Hometown: Beaverton, Ore.
High School: Jesuit High School
Club Team: ADF
High school/Club Accomplishments: 2016 high school state semifinalist, 2017 high school state finalist, 2017-18 Metro League All-Academic player, 2017 first team all-conference.
Parents: Maria and Jose Cruz
Intended Major: Business
Highlight Film: https://youtu.be/fuonGFru8T0
Why Linfield? "I chose Linfield because I think it is a great school. I like the campus, and environment and the majors that Linfield has to offer. I also chose Linfield because I would have the chance to be a collegiate athlete. I would get the experience of being a student and an athlete in college."
 
Name: Connor Heintz
Position: Forward
Hometown: Maple Valley, Wash.
High School: Tahoma High School
Club Team: Eastside FC (B99 Red)
High School/Club Accomplishments: Three-year varsityletter winner (2016-18), 2015-2018 high honors athlete, 2016 High School Coach's Award, 2018 team captain, 2018 all-NPSL second team, 2016 4A Washington state runner-up, 2017 4A state playoff participant, 2015-2017 club team member.
Parents: Greg & Beth Heintz
Intended Major: Sports Management
Why Linfield?  "I chose Linfield because it is the perfect blend of everything I had hoped for in a college. Linfield offers my intended major and the ability to play NCAA soccer. The campus was beautiful, the people were welcoming, and I am following a family legacy of Wildcats!!"
 
Name: Taylor Jackson
Position: Defense
Hometown: Oak Harbor, Wash.
High School:  Oak Harbor High School
Club Team:  Northwest United FC
Parent Names:  Tim and Terri Jackson
Intended Major: Engineering
Why Linfield?  "I chose Linfield because I am excited about the opportunity to study engineering and math in a low teacher/student ratio while getting the opportunity to continue to play soccer."
 
Name:  Ronan Krutzikowsky
Position: Right Back
Hometown: Newport, Ore.
High School: Newport High School
High School/Club Accomplishments: 2016-2017 4A state champions, 2017 first team all-conference, 2016 honorable mention all-conference.
Parent Names:  Greg and Vicki Krutzikowsky
Intended Major: Biochemistry
Why Linfield?  "I felt an immediate personal connection to the faculty and an inviting attitude."
 
Full Name: Shoma Okita
Position: Midfield
Hometown: Redmond, Wash.
High School: Lake Washington High School
Club Team: Crossfire Premier A
High School/Club Accomplishments: 2016 second team all-conference, 2017 first team all-conference, team captain, 2016 ODP inter-regional event member.
Parents: Mika & Yoichi Okita
Intended Major: Kinesiology (Pre-Physical Therapy)
Highlight Film: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YvZCI-bCnJw
Why Linfield?  "Linfield offers a growing soccer program with a very good coach that I want to play under, and it's the perfect distance from home."
 
Name: Gerardo Perez Jr.
Position: Center Attacking Midfielder
Hometown: Kuna, Idaho
High School: Kuna High School
Club Team: Idaho Rush
High School/Club Accomplishments: 2015-2018 high school and club team captain, 2017 honorable mention all-state, 2017 Idaho all-star team, 2017 Idaho all-conference.
Parents: Theresa Perez & Gerardo Perez Sr.
Intended Major: Chemistry Major, Biology Minor. Working towards Pharmaceutical degree.
Highlight Film: https://youtu.be/HSz5X3AuNzQ
Why Linfield? "I chose Linfield because of the small town vibe, small class sizes, professors who want to truly get to know me, and the beautiful campus. It's a great place to jump start towards pursuing a career as a pharmacist. The soccer program itself will help me develop into an even better player and teammate, as I look to grow and be a part of such a special group. I feel that at Linfield, the soccer program is something to get excited about in the upcoming years and I can't wait to be a part of it."
 
Name: Romario Mendoza
Position: Midfield
Hometown: Newport, Ore.
High School: Newport High School
Club Team: Corvallis Storm
High School/Club Accomplishments: Two-time Class 4A state champion, 2016 Oregon West Conference champion, first team all-state, first team all-league, two-year team captain 2016-2017, Newport team MVP, four-year varsity letter winner, scored 12 goals and had 13 assists as a senior.
Parents: Jesus Mendoza and Felisa Alatriste
Intended Major: Exercise Science
Why Linfield? "I chose Linfield because of the amount of support and trust the coaching staff has provided for me. It's a place where I can grow as player and further my education."