MADISON, Wis. – Badger head coach Neil Jones announced on Thursday the transfer of UCLA sophomore standouts and twin brothers Nate and Charlie Crockford to Wisconsin.

"First and foremost, we're adding two great students, teammates, and soccer players to our squad," Jones said. "To add players of Nate and Charlie's caliber is a testament to the academic and athletic level of this university and the direction of the men's soccer program in particular. Both Nate and Charlie were important contributors to a Sweet Sixteen UCLA program and we see them coming in and playing big roles in our program moving forward."
 
The two are returning to their Midwest roots after spending two seasons in California for the Bruins. Both are natives of Northfield, Illinois, and played for the FC United Development Academy and the Chicago Fire Academy prior to college.
 
Nate appeared in four games as a true freshman goalkeeper for UCLA, all of which were the final four games of the year. He maintained a record of 3-1-0 during the 2021 season and manned the net for the Bruins' two NCAA tournament games. He made a season high 10 saves against Duke in the 2021 NCAA Tournament with his team only playing with 10 men for the majority of the game. As a sophomore, Crockford started in all but one game this past season and helped lead the Bruins to the third round of the NCAA tournament.
 
Charlie played in three games as a true freshman and notched a season high 23 minutes against Oregon State during the 2021 season. Just like his brother, Crockford played a big part in the Bruins successful 2022 campaign, operating in the UCLA midfield. He played in 13 matches while starting seven as a sophomore. At 6-1, Charlie is both a physical and extremely technical player who is dangerous in the attacking third.
 
The duo of Nate and Charlie will bring their championship level experience and mentality to the Badgers for the 2023 season.