HARRISONBURG, Va. – As we approach the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the EMU Athletics Communications department will spend the next few days highlighting the incoming classes for our fall sports. Today, we take a look at men's soccer, as Head Coach Justin Carey has brought in eight first-year players in the program's recruiting class ahead of the 2025 season, Carey's fourth campaign at the helm of the Royals. Read on to learn more about EMU's newest men's soccer players:
 
Wilondja Baukyaka

Hometown: Nyarugusu Camp, Tanzania
High School: Harrisonburg
Position: Left Wing, Striker, Right Wing
Major: Engineering
Club:  Shenandoah Valley United
Athletic Achievements:  First Team All-District

Why EMU?
"I committed to EMU because Coach Carey believed in me."
 
Ryan Bousfield

Hometown: Richmond, Va.
High School: Mills Godwin
Position: Goalkeeper
Major: Sports Management
Club:  Richmond Strikers
Athletic Achievements:  2025 Regional Champ, Selected for 2024-25 ECNL national selection game, captain for Mills Godwin and Richmond Strikers

Why EMU?
"I committed to EMU because I felt that the program could develop me well as a player and as a student."

Elijah Byrd

Hometown: Gainesville, Va.
High School: Gainesville
Position: Right Wing, Striker, Left Winger, Center Attacking Midfielder
Major: Business Administration
Club:  Virginia Development Academy
Athletic Achievements:  Second Team All-District

Why EMU?
"I committed to EMU because of the environment. It felt like the right fit for me for soccer and in the classroom. I believe I can better myself as a player and a student here. I also have family close by."

Iverson Garcia

Hometown: Richmond, Va.
High School: J.R. Tucker
Position: Center Attacking Midfielder, Left Wing, Right Wing, Striker
Major: Sports Management
Club: Richmond United
Athletic Achievements: Three-time First Team All-Region, Second Team All-Region, Two-Time Second Team All-State, 2024-25 ECNL Conference Champions 

Why EMU?
"I committed to EMU because I felt it was the perfect place for me to keep growing as a player and as a person. The facilities and the culture here really stood out to me. From the first moment, I felt welcomed and supported by the coaches and the team. I believe EMU is the right environment for me to reach my goals on and off the field."

Hector Ortiz

Hometown: Woodbridge, Va.
High School: C.D. Hylton
Position: Left Back, Center Back, Right Back
Major: Engineering
Club:  Virginia Development Academy
Athletic Achievements: First Team All-District, Second Team All-Region, Hylton HS Captain

Why EMU?
"I committed to EMU because I instantly felt welcomed by the guys and coaching staff. The environment, both on and off the field, just felt right for me."

Oliver Rivera

Hometown: Leesburg, Va.
High School: Tuscarora
Position: Center Midfielder
Major: Sports Medicine
Club:  Northern Virginia Alliance
Athletic Achievements: District Champion, Regional Champion, District Tournament Champion, First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, 2025 District Player of the Year, Tuscarora HS Captain

Why EMU?
"I committed to EMU because Coach Justin seemed to have a lot of trust in me. The boys also seemed to be a family and were very welcoming."
 
Chris Salazar

Hometown: Spotsylvania, Va.
High School: Courtland
Position: Center Midfielder
Major: Psychology
Athletic Achievements: District Player of the Year, First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, Honorable Mention All-State, Two-Time District Championships, Region Champion, Courtland HS Captain

Why EMU?
"I committed to EMU because of the kindness and respect I instantly got from everyone. I feel like I can not only develop as a player but as a person at EMU."

Hamidullah Tokhi

Hometown: Gainesville, Va.
High School: Gainesville
Position: Center Attacking Midfielder, Right Wing, Left Wing, Striker
Major: Information Technology
Club:  VA Revolution Pro
Athletic Achievements: Four-Year varsity, First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, Two-Time Coaches Awards, Gainesville HS MVP, Gainesville HS Captain, UPSL Northeast Finalist

Why EMU?
"I committed to EMU because from the beginning, I felt a lot of support from the coach and the team. The environment is positive and welcoming, and I really loved how diverse is EMU. EMU feels like a place where I can grow not just as a soccer player, but as a person. I believe it's the right place for me to take the next step in life, both on and off the field."

Coach Carey's comments on the incoming class:
"I'm thrilled to welcome our incoming freshman class to campus this fall. Each year, because of the hard work of our returning players, our program is becoming more attractive to high level student-athletes in the region.This incoming group will bring quality, maturity, leadership, and personality into our culture. I am excited to work with them and do my part in helping them become the best versions of themselves on and off the field. I am grateful they chose to play here at EMU!"
 
 
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU men's soccer program this year, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.