DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University men's soccer head coach
Ryan Swan announced the addition of a trio of midyear transfers to the Huskie program. Dasha Curiel (Rockford, Ill.), Roman Khela (Huddersfield, England) and Tomasz Slawek (Crystal Lake, Ill.) have joined NIU in January.
Curiel joins the Huskies following two seasons at Chicago State. In 2024, Curiel scored one goal and registered two assists in 14 matches, including seven starts, for the Cougars. As a freshman, Curiel recorded three assists for Chicago State in 2023, appearing in 19 games while making 14 starts.
"We are very familiar with Dasha as he excelled at the youth levels in Rockford and played against us for Chicago State," said Swan. "He has explosive speed and is clinical in front of goal. I am confident Dasha will immediately bring a new dimension to our attacking threat."
Khela spent this past fall at Missouri State, where he did not see action. Khela joined the Bears from the Fleetwood Town Academy in England. Prior to his time at Fleetwood Town, Khela spent time with Leeds United.
"Roman comes from a high youth level of soccer in England," said Swan. "He is technically very sound and has all of the physical attributes to come in and challenge immediately for playing time. Roman has a great mentality towards training and has already had a positive impact on the team."
Slawek appeared in three games in 2024 for UIC. He played club soccer with Sockers FC in MLS Next and also played high school soccer at Crystal Lake South, where he earned all-conference, all-area, all-sectional and Chicagoland All-State honors. Slawek scored nine goals and recorded six assists during his high school career.
"Tomasz is another player we were very familiar with from his youth career," said Swan. "Tomasz has impressed us every year as he continues to develop as a player. In addition to being a great physical presence, he is very comfortable on the ball and will help with our build up out of the back. I am excited to see him progress this spring."
