The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer program announced the signing of five student-athletes for the 2026 class. The Golden Eagles added Ell Furlong (MF, 5-5, Liverpool, England/Shepherd University), Jillian Muehlberger (F, 5-4, Shawnee, Kan./Allen Community College), Lilly Oelrich (D, 5-7, Savage,/Prior Lake H.S.), Iris Osei-Tutu (D, 5-6, London, England/Colfe’s School), and Marasia Warren (F, 5-8, Vermillion, S.D./Vermillion H.S.).
The signing class is the first full incoming class for second-year head coach Danny Burstein.
Ell Furlong (MF, 5-5, Liverpool, England/Shepherd University)
Furlong spent the 2025 season with Division II Shepherd University, playing in two games with three goals for the Rams. She was a perfect 3-of-3 on her shots in her two games played. Prior to Shepherd, Furlong spent two seasons at Division I San Diego State University, but did not play in a game for the Aztecs. She is a graduate of Wirral Grammar School for Girls, and played at the prestigious Manchester City Academy in Manchester, England.
She is the daughter of Cheryl and Tony Furlong, and has a brother Ben.
“Ell is an exciting player who can play anywhere in the midfield,” Burstein said. “She has a strong technical ability and game understanding that will allow us to be stronger in the center of the pitch. She comes in with college experience and her strong background brings a new level of player to Crookston.”
Jillian Muehlberger (F, 5-4, Shawnee, Kan./Allen Community College)
Muehlberger had 11 goals and five assists for 27 points, and three game-winning goals for the Red Devils as a sophomore. She scored four goals in an 11-0 win over Southeast Community College. Muehlberger notched two goals and two assists in an 8-0 victory at home against Southeast Community College. Muehlberger scored in seven games as a sophomore. As a freshman, she tallied 13 goals and three assists for 29 points. Muehlberger earned Second Team All-KJCCC in 2025, and 2024. She was named Newcomer of the Year in 2024. Muehlberger played high school soccer at St. James Academy.
Muehlberger is the daughter of John and Natalie Muehlberger. She plans to major in animal science at Minnesota Crookston.
“Jillian is a quick forward who adds an attacking presence with the proven ability to score,” Burstein stated. “We are looking for her to help us increase our goal tally this season. She had a strong spring semester and we are excited to see how that translates to the Fall season.”
Lilly Oelrich (D, 5-7, Savage, Minn./Prior Lake H.S.)
Oelrich played as a four-year varsity soccer player for Prior Lake High School. She was named All-Conference Honorable Mention. Oelrich helped her team to third place at the State Tournament. She was the Native American Student Coalition Secretary for Prior Lake High School. Her club team placed third at Nationals in 2025. She played club soccer for Lakeville Soccer Club.
Oelrich is the daughter of Erin and Paul Oelrich. She plans to major in biology at Minnesota Crookston.
“Lilly is an in-state player who stood out to us immediately,” Burstein remarked. “She is a strong defender who will help us as a ball-winner and someone who can strengthen our team in a couple positions. She looks to connect passes from deep which will help us build our attack in our own half.”
Iris Osei-Tutu (D, 5-6, London, England/Colfe-School)
She attended the Colfe School and played defender for Croydon Athletic. Osei-Tutu was named the Most Committed Player of the Year for Croydon Athletic for the 2024-25 season and the 2025-26 season. She was also named the Managers’ Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season. Osei-Tutu is noted for her relentless work rate, positive attitude, and unwavering passion. She has the ability to track back defensively, and drive forward.
She is the daughter of Jason Osei-Tutu and Fiona Peters, and has a brother Finlay Osei-Tutu. Osei-Tutu plans to major in environmental sciences at Minnesota Crookston.
“Iris comes to us with a strong playing background in London,” Burstein said. “She is a strong defender who also likes to get up the field and has a great understanding of the game. She will help us bolster our defensive unit while also adding an element to our attack that we need to create a stronger presence in the attacking half.”
Marasia Warren (F, 5-8, Vermillion, S.D./Vermillion H.S.)
Warren was named South Dakota Class A First Team All-State in 2023 and 2025. She played for Dakota Alliance Soccer Club and Tempo Soccer Club. Warren was Honorable Mention All-State in 2024. She is a member of the National Honor Society. Warren played for Vermillion High School and was a four-year starter.
She is the daughter of Nikki Carter and Marlon Warren. Warren plans to major in exercise science at Minnesota Crookston.
“Marasia is a fast and strong forward who will bring some pace to our front line,” Burstein remarked. “She plays quick and will help us get behind the opponent’s back line to create more goal-scoring opportunities. It is also nice to add players from within our region and continue our strong South Dakota connection.”
