VAXJO, Sweden --- Pontus Gitselov looks to build on his family's impressive soccer history, as he comes to Biola to begin his graduate studies. His father and brother have represented professional teams on the pitch overseas, providing the foundation for Pontus' incredible talent.
 
Those deep soccer roots drive Gitselov to be the best attacker he can be and makes him a great fit for the BU men's soccer squad. 
 
"Pontus is a person and player who resonates and fits perfectly with what we are pursuing as a program here at Biola both on and off the field," said Head Coach Torrey Stricklin. "He is a soccer junkie and has the mentality and quality I am looking for as we build this program. We look forward to having him here with us this fall."
 
As a three-year starter at NCAA Division II Maryville University, Gitselov put up the stats to represent his physical and mental assets. The striker drew 43 starts in 53 total appearances with 19 goals. In his junior campaign, Gitselov notched a hat trick to carry the Saints to a 3-0 victory.
 
Standout play helped the Sweden native to a pair of All-Great Lakes Valley Conference awards and a USC Second-Team All-Regional honor. Gitselov was also a leader on the team, serving as the team captain on the way to a GLVC championship.
 
Gitselov also boasts an impressive academic resume, graduating with honors from Maryville while making the dean's list all four years. Gitselov was also named Academic All-GLVC three times in his career.
 
Gitselov chose Biola because, "The passion that coach Torrey evidently has for soccer instantly sparked my interest. It really made me want to commit to the team and be a part of their success story. Likewise my big passion for the sport goes hand in hand with my faith, so it was hard to see myself going anywhere else to participate in collegiate sports."
 
Pontus Gitselov will pursue a Master's degree in business administration at Biola and will join the Eagles team in the coming 2021 fall season. He and the rest of the student-athletes who sign with Biola during the 2020-21 signing period will be listed on the Committed Athletes page.