OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's soccer program and head coach
James Cottage are pleased to announce the signings of eight newcomers for the upcoming 2022 men's soccer season. The group below is just part of a larger recruiting class of 25+ players that come from 13 different countries and 3 states in the U.S.
Featured Players
Owain Parker – Whitwick, England – Defense/Midfield
Parker is a defensive minded player joining OU following two years at Coastal Bend College (CBC) in Texas. While at CBC, Parker helped lead the team to a Region XIV Conference Championship on their way to qualifying for the NJCAA National Tournament. As a member of the CBC Esports team, Parker won the 2021 FIFA National Championship.
From Coach Cottage
"Owain brings calmness and composure on the ball, as well as intensity on the defensive end. He is a fantastic addition to our program."
Thomas Bloomfield – Chelmsford, England – Midfield
Bloomfield comes to Ottawa as a freshman, one of the three English signings for coach Cottage. He played for his hometown club Springfield Football Club and attended prestigious Chelmer Valley Academy. He describes himself as a player that loves to take a leadership role, with a big personality on and off the pitch. Thomas plans to major in Business Administration.
From Coach Cottage
"Tom is a player who can play anywhere in the midfield and will bring a great level of ability on the ball and intensity off it."
William Derbyshire – Liverpool, England – Goalkeeper
Derbyshire heads to Ottawa as a freshman, the third signing from England and one of three goalkeepers signed by coach Cottage. Originally born in Liverpool, Derbyshire moved to Cumbria at the age of 10. There he played for Whitehaven AFC, winning the West Cumbria County League and finished runner-up in the Cumbria County Cup this past season. William is a passionate Liverpool FC fan, and his idol is Manuel Neuer. He plans to major in Business Administration with an emphasis on in managerial economics.
From Coach Cottage
"William is a solid keeper that uses his tall frame to his advantage between the posts."
Francisco Arrua - Salto, Uruguay – Attacking Midfielder
Arrua is another player heading to Ottawa as a true freshman, one of two signings from Uruguay. His hometown of Salto, Uruguay is famous for producing several professional players such as Edison Cavani and Luis Saurez. Arrua played for Salto FC's youth squad from the age of 10. He was a member of the 2020 U-17 National Championship team, playing down a year younger than everyone else. Francisco plans to major in Engineering.
From Coach Cottage
"Francisco is an attacking player with great creativity, as well as an outstanding eye for finding the back of the net. We are very excited about his arrival."
Sebastian Grimm – Holtebüttel, Germany – Goalkeeper
Grimm heads to Ottawa as a freshman, one of three goalkeepers signed this offseason. He played for TSV Brunsbrock and attended the Gymnasium am Wall Verden, graduating in 2019. His parents are Michael and Sylvia Grimm, and he plans to major in Business.
From Coach Cottage
"Sebastian is a highly skilled keeper that will add a great level of competition at that position."
Anthony Quijano – Grand Prairie, Texas – Winger/Outside Midfielder
A triathlete in soccer, cross country, and track at South Grand Prairie High School, Quijano heads to Ottawa as a true freshman. His club, Storm FC, competing in leagues such as the National Premier League and the Elite Academy League that featured the top club teams from across the country. Anthony plans on majoring in Business Administration.
From Coach Cottage
"Anthony is a midfielder that brings pace and intensity. He also has an exceptional understanding of the game. We are excited to see what the future holds for Anthony at Ottawa.
Bilal Olayiwola – Freetown, Sierra Leone – Center Back
Olayiwola is a big presence in the defensive third, coming to Ottawa following one year at Kansas City Community College. He also played for the University of Mobile Rams prior to KCCC. Olayiwola enters his senior year at OU, majoring in Management Information Systems. He is a big Chelsea FC fan.
From Coach Cottage
"We are very excited about Bilal's quality on the ball and his ability to read the game. He is a great young man who will add to every area of our program.
Grant Revo – Wylie, Texas – Outside Back
A recent graduate of Wylie High School, Revo comes to Ottawa as a true freshman. At Wylie his was named to the All-Texas Academic First-Team and was an All-Region Honorable Mention. He played for Dallas Roma at the club level, competing in the 2022 Disney Showcase where his team finished runner-up. Grant plans to major in Engineering.
