Akron and New Mexico have yet to kick off their NCAA Tournament (the Zips start tonight against Northwestern) but both of them have already won big this week. 

 

U.S. National Team player Dillon Serna has announced that he’ll be taking his talents to Akron next season while the Lobos got a recent commitment from 2013 standout Steve Manios.

 

A program’s success pays dividends on and off the field, and in the case of the Lobos their breakthrough undefeated season has helped their case with recruits. 

 

“Them being one of the top teams in the country is a great bonus,” said Manios, who is ranked No. 53 in our 2013 class Top 100. “At first when I heard they had interest in me I didn't know what to expect because a lot of people told me that New Mexico and Albuquerque is a desert and that’s a lot different from where I live now. 

 

“But I got to visit a couple weeks ago and loved the campus, the facilities, the coaches, and the players.”

 

Manios is a skilled offensive player who recently began playing more striker after starting out as a winger. He’s a player who thrives on taking the ball down the line with speed and creating for his team.

 

As for Serna, he’ll be the latest in a long line of attacking talent to make their way to Akron. Ranked No. 11 in the 2012 class Top 100, he’s a tricky left-footed winger who is very technical and brings great 1v1 ability.

 

Serna also has invaluable international experience and will be ready to step into big matches for the program.   

 

Other announcements include:

 

Dalton Eudy (Solar Chelsea SC) has verbally committed to Providence for the 2012 season. 

 

Jason Gonzalez (Bayside Premier) has verbally committed to NJIT for the 2012 season. 

 

Brian Hoxie (Tampa Bay United) has verbally committed to Air Force for the 2012 season. Hoxie is No. 15 in the Florida Region.  

 

Jonathan Kupperman (Chivas USA) has verbally committed to Massachusetts for the 2012 season. 

 

Tyler Secrist (Fort Wayne Fever) has verbally committed to IPFW for the 2012 season.