Men's Soccer Releases 11 Newcomers Set to Join '24 Osprey Squad

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida men's soccer officially announces its 11 newest additions to the Osprey squad for the 2024 fall season, as announced by first-year head coach Jamie Davies on Friday afternoon.

The 11 newcomers will join the 17 returning players, including six starters, for UNF to start the fall season this August. After only losing four starters from 2023, Davies looks to make his mark during his inaugural season with the Ospreys.

Luciano Natoli

Hometown: Miami Beach, Fla.
Previous School: UCF
Club Team: Inter-Miami CF Academy (Inter-Miami CF II)
Position: Goalkeeper

PRIOR TO UNF

Will join Ospreys as a redshirt sophomore transfer from UCF
Made his first collegiate start with Knights against Georgia State in 2023
Totaled 111 minutes in three appearances, earning first win against the Panthers with four saves
Finished redshirt freshman season with a win and a .571 save percentage
Played over two years with the Inter-Miami CF II club team

PERSONAL

Son of Francis and Luigia Natoli
Has three siblings, Massimo (19), Alessio (17) and Giacomo (14)
His twin brother, Massimo, plays soccer at Nova Southeastern
Attended Cypress Bay HS
Born on Aug. 27, 2004
Plans to major in sociology

Chose UNF because "it is a great program that has a lot of potential. Nothing beats playing soccer in Florida, and with Coach Davies help, I know this program can achieve great things."

Coach's Thoughts: "Luciano [Natoli] is a goalkeeper with a high ceiling and is taking the next step in his career with us at UNF. He is extremely comfortable on the ball and will be a big part of our playing style moving forward, but most of all, he brings strong leadership skills that will be influential in our group."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Sasha Maric

Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
High School: Mandarin HS
Club Team: Florida Elite Soccer Academy
Position: Defender

PRIOR TO UNF

Played soccer and started all four years of high school
Helped team to regional championship and final four appearance in 2021-22
3x 7A District 1 champion and 4x Gateway Conference champion
First Coast Player of the Year, 2x Gateway All-Conference Team, Freshman of the Year and 2x News4Jax All-Northeast Florida First Team selection
Biggest HS game was a 70-yard assist during sophomore season against Bartram Trail
Totaled 37 career clean sheets, including 11 clean sheets as a senior
Also participated with Florida Elite Soccer Academy for 12 years in Jacksonville
Named to TopDrawerSoccer ECNL Florida Boys' Players to Watch List
Was named to ECNL All-Conference First Team from 2020-2023
Selected to attended ECNL national training camp in 2021-22, along with a conference cup selection in 2022-23

PERSONAL

Son of Aleksander Maric and Maida Kalabic
Attended Mandarin HS
Graduated in top 10% of class and completed the Cambridge AICE program
Born on Mar. 8, 2006
Plans to major in nursing

Chose UNF because "I believe it is the best fit for me in terms of location, academics and soccer."

Coach's Thoughts: "Sasha [Maric] is a local product that we were tracking as soon as we arrived in Jacksonville. He has great size for a centerback and brings a bite to his game. He has a very high ceiling and, as a player, I am very excited to work with over the next four years."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Anton Khelil

Hometown: Elne, France
High School: Lycée Rosa Luxemburg
Club Team: Canet en Roussillon
Position: Midfielder

PRIOR TO UNF

Attended Lycée Rosa Luxemburg for high school
Placed second of Regional League twice during his HS years
Was also part of Canet en Roussillon club team for seven years
Both teams were managed under head coach Christophe Mangin

PERSONAL

Son of Denis and Marisa Khelil
Has one sister, Lina (19)
Born on Oct. 16, 2002
Plans to major in sport management

Chose UNF because "I have a very good feeling with the coaching staff. I like the training facilities and environment, and I want to discover Jacksonville and Florida."

Coach's Thoughts: "Anton [Khelil] is a player we saw in France and immediately fitted the playing style. He is a player that always wants the ball no matter the situation and will find a way to affect the game. I am very excited to add Anton to the midfield."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Tyler Prebenda

Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Previous School: Maryland
Club Team: Orlando City
Position: Midfielder

PRIOR TO UNF

Joins UNF after spending debut collegiate season at Maryland
Made three appearances with a start against Navy in 90 total minutes played
Played for the Orlando City Academy club team for two years
Helped club team to U-17 MLS Next Playoff semifinal round
Played every minute in Orlando's run to the semifinals
Made his debut for Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro in August 2023 with five appearances
Scored shootout goal and registered an assist

PERSONAL

Son of Brian and Robyn Prebenda
Has two siblings, Logan (15) and Ally (13)
Attended Florida Virtual School
Born on May 24, 2005
Plans to major in building construction

Chose UNF because "of the coaching staff's vision for the program and the school's location being close to home."

Coach's Thoughts: "Knowing Tyler [Prebenda] for a long time, he was a very exciting player to bring into the team. His engine as a full back is extremely high, while also having the versatility to play in the midfield as well. Tyler is a player that will lead by example and will set high standards for everyone."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Austin Gains

Hometown: Davie, Fla.
High School: Western HS
Club Team: Weston FC
Position: Goalkeeper

PRIOR TO UNF

Attended Western HS as a straight-A Honor Roll student
Played 10 years for the Weston FC club team
Helped team qualify for the MLS Next Playoffs as a U-16 and U-19 squads
Also finished as quarterfinalists during those events

PERSONAL

Son of David and Jennifer Gains
Has two brothers, Ryan (21) and Colton (19)
Born on Jun. 12, 2006
Plans to major in sport management

Chose UNF because "of the beautiful campus and sense of community."

Coach's Thoughts: "Austin [Gains] is a product of Weston's Academy and a goalkeeper we had watched several times who kept impressing each time. He is a confident young player and we are excited to see how he evolves in our environment."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Felipe Cintra

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
High School: Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
Club Team: North York Academy
Position: Defender

PRIOR TO UNF

Played seven years with the North York Academy club team
Helped team to become 2x OSL champions
Was a 2x All-Canadian Top 60 College Showcase and All-Tournament XI
Named All-Tournament for Sigma FC Tournament and Laval FC Tournament as well
Team Ontario captain in the TFCxFTF Canadian Showcase
Named club captain during his time with the squad

PERSONAL

Son of Joao Cintra and Rachel Kanarek
Has two siblings, Dominic (19) and Maya (16)
Brother, Dominic, plays soccer at Niagara
Attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute for high school
Was a part of the academic honor roll
Born on Sept. 14, 2006
Plans to major in kinesiology

Chose UNF "after getting the chance to meet the coaching staff, tour the campus and area, and see the top facility for the men's soccer program."

Coach's Thoughts: "Felipe [Cintra] is a centerback from Canada with great size for the college game. He is comfortable on the ball and we are looking forward to having him in our environment and getting to work with him daily."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Iu Pentinat

Hometown: Reus, Tarragona, Spain
Previous School: Coastal Carolina
Club Team: Reus FC Reddis
Position: Goalkeeper

PRIOR TO UNF

Joins Ospreys as a sophomore transfer from Coastal Carolina
Made this collegiate career debut in 2022 against USC Upstate
Was named to Dean's List twice during his time as a Chanticleer
Attended Northwood School for high school in New York
Played four years with Reus FC Reddis club team
Played most of his years in second division
Recorded 17 saves in 90 minutes
MVP of Reus-Girona B Team
Was awarded best goalkeeper Powerade Cup in 2016-17
Made national team in 2014-15

PERSONAL

Son of Xavier Pentinat and Margarita Llurba
Has three siblings, Ot (23), Huc (22) and Elm (17)
Born on Jan. 4, 2004
Plans to major in business

Chose UNF because "of the soccer program and the amazing location."

Coach's Thoughts: "Iu [Pentinat] is another product from Spain who has a great pedigree back home. He will bring experience to the goalkeeper position having already played in the U.S. college system. We are looking forward to the competition in that position."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Pedro Amancio

Hometown: Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
Previous School: Eastern Florida
Club Team: São Bernardo FC
Position: Defender

PRIOR TO UNF

Joins Ospreys as an incoming junior after two seasons with Eastern Florida
Scored three goals and assisted on nine for 15 points during the 2023 season
Started in 16 of 17 games played with 15 shots on goal and 23 shot attempts
Had a .652 SOG percentage as well, with a game-winning goal against Fort Lauderdale
Attended high school at Colégio Intensivo
Awarded Best Futsal Player in 2018
Also played for São Bernardo FC club team for two years

PERSONAL

Son of Rubens de Souza Amancio and Simone Souza
Has one brother, Arthur (7)
Born on July 5, 2001
Plans to major in business

Chose UNF because "I was introduced through the program by one of my coaches."

Coach's Thoughts: "Pedro [Amancio] is a player who we got to play against in the spring against Eastern Florida. He impressed right away and is an intelligent player that can find solutions in the midfield. He has a great work ethic and will look to make an immediate impact."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

David Perez

Hometown: Valencia, Spain
Previous School: Oregon State
Club Teams: Albal CF, Discobolo La Torre, Levante UD, Alboraya and Torrent
Position: Midfielder

PRIOR TO UNF

Made seven starts in 12 games played during the 2022 season
Played 635 total minutes with three goals and a game-winning goal
Also had six shots on goal and 17 total shots with a .353 SOG percentage
Played for multiple club teams, including Albal CF, Discobolo La Torre, Levante UD, Alboraya and Torrent

PERSONAL

Son of Jose Perez Sanchez and Maria Ruiz Rodriguez
Has one brother, Javier Perez Ruiz (21)
Born on Mar. 12, 2000
Plans to pursue his Master's in Business Administration

Chose UNF because "it is a great opportunity to grow academically and athletically at the same time."

Coach's Thoughts: "David [Perez] is an exciting attacking player that will add creativity in the attack and an intensity in his defending. He has experience in the U.S. already haven played at Oregon State previously, so will add those experiences to our group."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Rafa Rios

Hometown: Burriana, Spain
High School: San Juan Bautista
Club Team: CD Roda
Position: Defender

PRIOR TO UNF

Played high school soccer for two years at San Juan Bautista
Also competed for three seasons with CD Roda club team

PERSONAL

Son of Rafael Rios and Estela Martinez
Has one brother, Nicolas (14)
Born on Jan. 31, 2004
Plans to major in business

Chose UNF because "of the soccer program and the academic level."

Coach's Thoughts: "Rafa [Rios] is an exciting piece to add to the back line with a very technical left foot who shows great bravery in possession. He comes from a great pedigree in Spain and will be an influential player in bringing our style of play to life."
-- head coach Jamie Davies

Alfie Mattocks

Hometown: Norwich, England
Previous School: Barton College
Club Team: Florida Elite SA
Position: Defender

PRIOR TO UNF

Will enter as a sophomore after playing freshman season at Barton College
Started 11 of 12 games his debut collegiate season with three shots taken in 889 minutes played
Was a Norfolk Scholar at Dereham Education Soccer Academy
Scored a free kick in the FA Youth Cup and played against Norwich City first team at 16 years-old
Also played a season at Florida Elite SA in Jacksonville, Fla.
Played in 11 games and recorded three assists
Trained individually with the USL Championship Team, Tampa Bay Rowdies

PERSONAL

Son of Anthony and Bridget Mattocks
Has one brother, Archie (20)
Attended high school at Dereham Education Soccer Academy
Born on May 3, 2005
Plans to major in business administration

Chose UNF because "I wanted to a new challenge to play Division I soccer and also to experience a new environment."

Coach's Thoughts: "Alfie [Mattocks] is an attacking-minded defender, who has a great engine to get up and down the pitch and affect the game with his deliveries. He will compete every moment of training, which will be contagious for the group."
-- head coach Jamie Davies