DOWNEY, Calif. --- Biola Men's Soccer needed to add more depth in the midfield this recruiting season with the graduation of senior captain Jarrett Pugh and it has made its middle one man stronger with the addition of All-CIF center-mid Giovani Passarelli.

Passarelli comes to Biola from Warren High School in Downey, Califorina, where he advanced to the CIF Southern Section quarterfinals with the Bears this season. Just two weeks ago, Passarelli was named to the Press-Telegram Boys Soccer Dream Team for the second year in a row.

The midfielder is currently staying in shape by playing for one of the best club teams in the nation, Strikers FC North B99. Passarelli and his team were recently named the California Regional League Boys 19U champions and have earned to right to play in Hawai'i for more accolades.

Strikers FC North had B99 had previously traveled to Texas last month when it was selected to play in the Dallas Cup.

In total, Passarelli has two All-CIF and two all-league selections in his high school career to go along with a team MVP award in 2017 and a CIF semifinals appearance with the Bears in 2016. He plans to major in kinesiology at Biola with aspirations for a career in physical therapy and is excited about the development opportunity Biola offers him.

"I chose Biola because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to study and play soccer while staying in touch with God," said Passarelli.  "I also loved the campus and like that it is close to my hometown."

Passarelli will join his new teammates in August as the Eagles prepare for their second season in the PacWest. To view a full list of Biola's committed athletes, click here.