DETROIT (1-29-25) – Detroit Mercy Men's Soccer Head Coach Nate Kopunek announced the signing of five newcomers in Aidan Buff, Lincoln Floyd, Mano Karjian, Tom Nkassa, and John Palomino, for the 2025 Spring and Fall seasons.
 
"We are excited to welcome these new players and families to the Titan soccer family," said Kopunek. "First and foremost, all these players bring high character and elite talents to the field. We believe each of them possesses unique qualities that will help us challenge to compete for Horizon League titles for years to come."



Aidan Buff – D
Hometown: Hartland, Mich.
High School: Hartland
Club Team: Michigan Jaguars FC MLS Next
 
Highlights:
• Helped the Jaguars qualify for the MLS Next Flex Event and the MLS Next Cup playoffs in 2023, where they advanced to the semifinals.



Lincoln Floyd – MF
Hometown: Grand Blanc, Mich.
High School: Grand Blanc
Club Team: Nationals ECNL
 
Highlights:
• Two-year letter winner for head coach Nick Thomas
• Helped lead Grand Blanc to back-to-back Saginaw Valley League (SVL) titles (2023, 2024)
• Recorded 35 goals and 17 assists in 37 games during high school career
• Third-time All-State selection and named SVL Player of the Year as a junior
• First-time All-State selection and named Team MVP as a senior



 
Mano Karjian – MF
Hometown: Plymouth, Mich.
High School: Canton
Previous Team: IU Indy
Club Team: Michigan Wolves
 
Highlights:
• IU Indy (2024): Saw action in 11 games with three starts. Recorded five total shots with three on-goal
• Played for the Michigan Wolves MLS Next Academy for eight years
• Named team captain
• Also played in the GA Cup with the Columbus Crew (2016)



Tom Nkassa – D
Hometown: Caen, France
High School: Lycée Jean Rostand
Club Team: Stade Malherbe Caen
 
Highlights:
• Played for Stade Malherbe Caen for eight years (2017-2025)



John Palomino – F
Hometown: Troy, Mich.
High School: Troy
Previous School: Centre College
Club Team: Liverpool International Academy
 
Highlights:
• Centre College (2024): Led the team in goals (5 – 7th SAA), assists (4 – 5th SAA) and game-winning goals (3 – 3rd SAA)
• Four-year letter winner for Head Coach Jim Stachura
• Recorded 30 goals, 25 assists during high school career
• Two-year All-State First-team selection (2022, 2023)
• 2023 All-American nominee
• Four-year Scholar-Athlete selection (2019-23)
• Played Liverpool International Academy for 10 years, helping the team qualify for Nationals two consecutive seasons