DALLAS (SMU) — Head Coach Kevin Hudson has announced three members of his 2024 signing class on Friday. All three are currently enrolled in classes at SMU and are taking part in spring practices.
"We are excited to add Cesar, Christian and Jordaine to our roster," Hudson said. "They bring a wealth of collegiate and international experience. We've been impressed with their quality and competitiveness already this spring. We are looking forward to seeing them contribute to our future team success.
Christian Chandler - Freshman, Midfielder | San Antonio, Texas/International Soccer Academy
Chandler has experience at the international level in Germany, US Soccer Development Academy and MLS Next. He was a Texas 6A High School State Champion with San Antonio Lee. With two years of playing experience abroad in Germany, Chandler also has club experience with San Antonio FC DA (2016-19) and Classics Elite ECNL (2020-21). With the International Soccer Academy, he played in 19 games and logged four goals and four assists.
Jordaine Jaeger - Goalkeeper, Junior | Munich, Germany/Saint Francis University
Jaeger joins the Mustangs after two years of experience at Saint Francis. There, he was the first Red Flash ever to be named the NEC Goalkeeper of the Year and was also named to the NEC All-Conference First Team. He also led the conference in save percentage. In his debut season, he logged five shutouts. Prior to collegiate play, he played for Tuerkguecue Muenchen, FC Ingolstadt 04 and Bologna FC 1909 Youth Academy.
Cesar Ruvalcaba - Defender, Graduate Transfer | South Gate, Calif./Cal Poly Pomona
A California native, Ruvalcaba comes to SMU after being named to the United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team in 2022 and 2023. He played for Cal Poly Pomona from 2019 until 2023, and was a team captain in both 2022 and 2023. Ruvalcaba was named All-CCAA First Team in 2021, 2022 and 2023. During his senior season, he started in 20 of 21 games played — tallying three goals and four assists.
SMU is looking to build upon its success from the previous season with its new additions. In 2023, the Mustangs finished 14-3-2 overall, including seven wins in conference, one win over a ranked opponent and an appearance in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. The Mustangs concluded their year ranked as the No. 10 team in the country. Four members of the 2022 roster were named to All-American teams, including one being named to the first team. SMU was also home to the AAC Defensive Player of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
