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PORTLAND, Ore. --- Forward Benji Michel (Montverde Academy/Orlando, Fla.) has committed to the University of Portland men's soccer team and has signed a National Letter of Intent, announced first-year head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt. Michel plays his prep soccer for national powerhouse Montverde Academy in Montverde, Fla.
 
"Benji is one of the top forwards in the south as his ability to stretch the game is exciting," said Carlin-Voigt. "What really impressed us about Benji is that he's fiercely committed to developing, while being grounded and humble. Benji knows the incredible opportunity at hand to help re-establish the Portland program and he's excited to be our next Pilot. He's committed to excellence in all areas of his life, which fits into our core values as a program. Benji is a very big signing for our program as he brings additional pace and power to our attack, while being able to play anywhere along the front line."
 
"Committing to Portland is the best move for my family and me," Michel said. "It's a great opportunity to further my soccer career and also develop as a person. The coaching staff is great and the team seems very family oriented. That togetherness is very important when trying to accomplish big things, like winning championships."
 
Michel is the leading goal scorer at Montverde Academy, where he helped his team continue their 136-game unbeaten streak, which is a national record. Montverde is 129-0-7 since 2010 and has been consistently ranked as the top team in the country. In January, the academy won the 2016 MAST Championship, and the Eagles were crowned consensus National Champions, according to the NSCAA and SIMA Fab 50 National Polls, in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Michel also scored the game-winner as Montverde topped the New York Red Bulls 1-0 in a friendly.
 
Michel also played for the Orlando City U-18's, where he scored 25 goals for the U.S. Development Academy. The forward, who spent time with the Region III ODP team, also played club for Florida Rush and FC America.
 
"Benji has been competing daily in the Montverde Academy so he's gained the winning fabric and competitive greatness needed to be successful," noted Carlin-Voigt. "Training under Montverde Director and Coach Mike Potempa has really helped his development as his coaching has become synonymous nationally with winning and excellence. The national success and winning streak at Montverde speaks for itself and we are both excited and honored to sign one of their top players."
 
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