GNAC Men's Soccer

Men's 2011 Soccer Recruits

Montana State Billings

Yellowjackets Sign Three International Players (3/18/11)

International players Eoin Hurley, Chris Holland and Isaac Kerr have signed letters of intent with Montana State Billings bringing the 2011 recruiting class to eight.

Hurley, Holland and Kerr, join five Billings natives in Sam Catlin, Joseph Frank and Zach Moyers of Billings West High School and Matthew Brink and Kyle Emerick of Billings Senior High School.

“In 2010 we conceded too many goals from set pieces and I wanted to add size and athleticism to our defense,” MSUB coacn Dan McNally said.

“Isaac, Eoin and Chris all are physically strong and over six-feet tall. The three international signings combined with our five in-state signings will form a formidable freshman class. The next four years for our program will be very exciting.”

Hurley, a 6-3 goalkeeper from Dublin, Ireland, attended University of Dublin for one year. Prior to that, he helped lead his team (St. Joseph's) to the All-Ireland Cup in 2009.

“At 6-3, Eoin has the height and athleticism to dominate his penalty box,” McNally said. “He has the potential to be a top quality NCAA Division II goalkeeper. I'm looking forward to watching his impact on our team.”

Holland, a 6-0 defender from Macclesfield, England, helped lead his team to the 2007, 2009 and 2010 East Cheshire Cup finals. They won the 2008 Cheshire Cup and were four-time league winners from 2007-2010. He was named Player of the Year for his teams from 2003-2010 and was a team captain from 2003-2010.

“Chris is a quality addition,” McNally said. “He is a very intelligent player with excellent technique and athleticism. I think Chris will be able to play numerous positions at the college level. He is a great addition to the roster.”

Kerr, a 6-4 defender from Coylton, Scotland, played under the direction of head coach Grant Russell at Prestwick BC and Iain Bateman at Troon BC.

“We faced a lot of competition for Isaac's signature,” McNally said. “He is the kind of player who doesn't come around very often. He is an outstanding athlete and is height will be a major advantage for us. At 6-4, Isaac will be a commanding presence. He is a leader and a player who we can build our defense around for the next four years.”

MSUB Signs Five From Billings (2/3/11)

Five players from Billings have signed national letters of intent to play collegiately at Montana State University Billing.

Billings West graduates Sam Catlin, Joseph Frank and Zach Moyers, along with Billings Senior graduates Matthew Brink and Kyle Emerick all inked with the Yellowjackets.

“This year I've been in a great position to recruit in Montana,” MSUB head men's soccer coach Dan McNally said. “I had the opportunity to coach Zach, Kyle, Matt and Joe during their club soccer careers with Magic City. In 2006 and 2007, my Magic City team won the Montana State Championship, and in 2006, we made it to the quarterfinals at regionals. All four guys were a huge part of that team.”

Moyers, the 2009 Montana Gatorade Player of the Year, helped lead Billings West High School to two state championships. He scored 10 goals and 11 assists his senior year, and set the state record for most assists in a high school career. Moyers earned the Black Whistle Award (2007), all-conference honors (2008), as well as back-to-back all-state honors (2009-2010) and Most Valuable Player (2009-2010).

“Zach has been one of the top high school players in Montana for the last three years,” McNally said. “He is a great athlete with the ability to dominate a game. Zach is a winner and I think he has the ability to be a great player for us.”

Emerick lettered for four years at Billings Senior where he helped lead the team to a third place finish at state in 2010. He tallied 16 assists and seven goals in the midfield as a senior. Emerick recorded 30 assists and nine goals in his high school career. He earned all-state honors in 2009 and 2010 and was a team captain both years. Emerick earned the Black Whistle Award for Sportsmanship in 2008. In the classroom, Emerick earned Academic All-America honors in 2007 and 2010.

“Kyle reminds me of our senior captain last year, Chris Andre,” McNally said. “He is quick with outstanding technique. If he continues to develop, Kyle has the potential to be one of the top forwards in our conference.”

Brink also attended Billings Senior High School where he played mainly at the center back position. Brink scored 10 goals and one assist his senior year helping the Broncs to a third place finish at state in 2010. He lettered four years in soccer, earning all-state honors in 2010. He was an all-conference selection in 2009 and was named Most Valuable Player in 2009-2010. As a freshman, he was named Rookie of the Year.

“Matt is a great defender,” McNally said. “He is very competitive and is definitely a leader of the players around him. Matt plays with the passion you need to be successful.”

Frank played at Billings West where he earned four letters in soccer. He went 26-3 as a goalkeeper with an impressive 0.65 goals against average. Frank helped Billings West to two state titles in 2008 and 2009. He started 30 of 31 varsity matches with 17 shutouts. He earned all-state honors as a junior and all-conference honors as a senior.

“Joe has the size and agility to be an excellent goalkeeper for us,” McNally said. “I have seen Joe play at a high level against great competition in big club tournament and at regionals.”

McNally went on to comment on how rewarding it has been to watch these four players grow from a young age.

“Personally it's very rewarding to see these four players progress from 13-year-olds learning the game to 18-year-olds signing to play for my college team.” “My focus as the head men's coach at MSUB has always been to promote soccer in Montana and give local players the opportunity to play at the college level.”

Catlin lettered all four years at West High School, earning all-conference honors at left back in the fall of 2010. Catlin scored 13 goals and 10 assists during his high school career for the Bears. Catlin helped lead the Bears to a third place finish at state as a freshman and back-to-back state championships as a sophomore and junior.

“Sam has really improved over the last two years,” McNally said. “He has a great left foot and he gets forward really well from the fullback position.”

Northwest Nazarene

Crusaders Add 14 to 2011 Soccer Roster (7/22/11)

Fourteen new student-athletes will attend Northwest Nazarene and join the Crusader men's soccer program this fall.

“We are certainly very happy with this group of players," NNU coach Coe Michaelson said. "In past years we have often been looking for numbers and just general soccer quality to build our new program, but this year we were certainly looking to fill specific needs and we feel that we have done that.

"We have a lot coming back (this fall), and yet we feel that there is room in the squad for these players to make an immediate impact for our team. We have sold these players not only on our great school, but also on the vision and the goals that we have for our soccer program to be the best and reach new levels of achievement as a team.”

The recruits include:

Christian Adamson, 6-3, Defender (Idaho)

Christian was a member of the 2008 and 2009 teams with NNU before taking a year off in 2010. Christian has played in 33 matches for the Crusaders, having started 30, with one goal and one assist. One of the top defenders in the GNAC in 2009, with injuries running rampant through the squad, Christian was knocked out of the second half of the conference season with a season ending injury.

Wes Caldwell, 6-3, Midfield, Pierce College (Washington)

Wes transfers from Pierce College where he was a two year starter in the midfield. During his time at Pierce, Wes helped lead his team into the NWAACC playoffs both in 2009 and 2010.

Dylan Coffee, 5-11, Striker, Syracuse High School (Utah)

Dylan Coffee served as a striker, team captain, and the all-time leading goal scorer for Syracuse High School in Utah. Coffee is also a four year starter and in 2010 led his school to their first appearance in the 5A state playoffs. Coffee plays club soccer for La Roca FC. He has also been a member of the Utah ODP State Team for the past five years.

Ruben Cortez, 6-1, Goalkeeper, Treasure Valley CC (Oregon)

Ruben transfers to NNU from Treasure Valley Community College where he was selected to the NWAACC All Star squad. Cortez, who posted three shutouts, was also a team captain and started every game in goal en route to TVCC's run into the NWAACC playoffs.

Zane Meehan, 6-2, Defender/Midfielder, Corvallis High School (Oregon)

Zane led Corvallis to two consecutive state final appearances, losing in overtime in 2010, and scoring the game winner in their 2009 triumph. During his senior campaign, Meehan was a team captain and first team All-State selection as a holding midfielder. Meehan has also played the past two years for the Westside Metros Remix out of Portland, where he is a starting center back for the three time Oregon State Champs.

Travis Miner, 5-10, Midfielder, Champlain Valley Union High School (Vermont)

Travis was an all-conference midfielder for Champlain Valley Union High School before going on to the University of Northwestern Ohio. After spending a year at Northwestern, Travis worked for Extreme Nazarene, before returning to school full time at NNU this fall.

Ibukun Modupe-Ojo, 6-1, Striker, Stretford Grammar School (UK)

Ibk is an attacking player from Manchester, England, where he played for Ardwick FC, managed by former NNU soccer player, Gideon Thomas. Ibk has academy level experience with Bury FC, Altrincham FC, and FC United of Manchester, where his team won the Manchester FA County Cup. Ibk's team also won the premier international tournament, the Keele International Soccer Cup.

Ricky Munoz, 5-9, Defender, Caldwell High School (Idaho)

Ricky is an outside back from Caldwell High School. He is also a member of the Boise Nationals Soccer Club, where his team were Idaho State Cup Champions and Far West Regional Quarterfinalists in 2011.

Jake Neff, 5-10, Defender, Defender, Clackamas High School (Oregon)

Neff was a starting holding midfielder and defender for Clackamas High School in Oregon, where his team finished 3rd in Oregon at the 6A level during his junior campaign. Academically Jake ranked #1 in his class out of more than 500 students.

Josh Petersen, 5-10, Midfielder, Roy High School (Utah)

Josh is a holding midfielder for both Roy High School and La Roca FC, where his team competed in many of the top tournaments in the West. Josh was a three year varsity starter at Roy and also played for the Utah ODP team. Josh is a versatile player who will compete for time throughout the midfield.

Dan Starbuck, 6-0, Midfielder, Loughborough College (UK)

Dan is a versatile and experienced youth player from Loughborough, England. He was previously a member of the Academy at Nottingham Forest, where his grandfather Bob (Sammy) Chapman played for more than a decade. Dan also has experience with Grantham Town and Shepshed Dynamo, while he spent time on trial with English Youth National Teams, the Glasgow Rangers, Sporting Lisbon and Coventry. His father, Phil, is a former professional soccer player and manager in England.

Billy Tinajero, 5-9, Striker, Yakima - Eisenhower High School (Washington)

Billy returns to the field after a one year hiatus as a transfer from Yakima Valley Community College where he spent a year as a student. Prior to YVCC, Billy was twice named an All Columbia Basin Big Nine striker for Eisenhower High School.

Taylor Turner, 5-9, Striker/Defender, Monroe High School (Washington)

An All-Conference Defender for Monroe High School and the leading goal scorer for his club team, FC Alliance, Turner is yet another versatile player in the 2011 class. A four year varsity soccer player, Turner helped Cedar Park Christian High School to their first ever state tournament appearance before transferring to Monroe.

Nate Villegas, 5-10, Midfielder, Jordan High School (Utah)

Nate is an attacking midfielder for Jordan High School and for the Blue Knights Soccer Club. He is also a captain for the Blue Knights, who have won the last two Utah State Cup Championships. In addition they were the Champions of the President's Day Tournament in Phoenix and advanced to the Quarterfinals of Far West Regionals in 2011.

Seattle Pacific

Falcons Add Three Washington Natives to Recruiting Class (2/4/11)

Goalkeeper Shamele Battan from Hockinson High School in Vancouver, Evan Robicheau from Puyallup High School and Sean Russell from Seattle's Garfield High School have signed to play soccer for Seattle Pacific.

"We're really excited about the three young men that we're adding to our program today," SPU coach Mark Collings said.

"Over the last few years we've really focused on recruiting good students as well as guys with character and I can tell you these three are tremendous young men," Collings said. "The relationships that we've developed throughout the recruiting process have been fantastic. More importantly I know they're really excited to be a part of our campus community."

The three newest Falcons will begin their collegiate careers with training camp in August. They join an NCAA Division II Seattle Pacific team that registered a 10-6-2 record last season. The Falcons placed second in the 2010 Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings with a 7-2-1 mark.

Just two seniors departed from last year's team that returns its entire 11-man starting lineup intact for next season.

"Our process this year was very similar to last year because we didn't have a lot of turnover. It's nice to have a lot of players returning, but it makes the recruiting process really difficult," Collings said.

Shamele Battan
Goalkeeper, 6-2, Vancouver, Wash. (Hockinson HS/Westside Metros Premier)

Battan attended Hockinson High School in southwest Washington where he served as the placekicker for the football team. He played club soccer in Oregon with Westside Metros Premier. Battan helped lead Westside to the state club championship and a semifinal appearance at regionals.

Evan Robicheau
Defender, 6-0, Puyallup, Wash. (Puyallup HS/Seattle Sounders FC Academy)

Robicheau tallied 8 goals and 18 assists during his junior prep season in 2010. A three-time All-South Puget Sound League selection, he led Puyallup to the 2008 state Class 4A championship game, which was lost on a shootout. He is one of 10 players from the Seattle Sounders FC Academy to receive a college scholarship.

Sean Russell
Midfielder, 5-11, Seattle, Wash. (Garfield HS/Crossfire Premier)

Russell was a KingCo honorable mention soccer selection in 2010 at Seattle's Garfield High School where he also competed on the cross country team. He participated with the Washington Olympic Development Program from 2006-10. Russell received the Silver Boot award from Emerald City FC in 2007 as the club's player that has developed closest to his potential.

Western Washington

Four Prep Standouts Sign With Western Washington (2/8/11)

Four high school seniors have signed national letters of intent to play for Western Washington beginning in the 2011 season.

They are forward Pat Cole from Sehome High School in Bellingham , goalkeeper Keegan Rogers from Portland Christian High School in Portland , Ore., midfielder Matt Sanchez from Bellingham High School and midfielder Matt Temple from Beaverton ( Ore. ) High School.

Cole was a second-team all-Northwest Conference choice as a junior at Sehome High. He had 10 goals and 12 assists, helping the Mariners win the district title and reach the semifinals of the Class 2A state Tournament where they lost to eventual champion Bellingham.

As a sophomore, Cole had 10 goals and 10 assists on a squad that took the district title and advanced to the state quarterfinals where it lost to eventual champion Squalicum in a game decided on penalty kicks. Sehome won the state championship his freshman season.

Rogers had a four-year career goal against average of 0.79 and 31 shutouts at Portland Christian, helping the team to a 54-10-7 record. As a senior, he was a first-team all-state choice and Columbia River League co-Player of the Year on a 10-4-3 squad that won a fourth straight league title and reached the first round of the state playoffs.

As a junior, Portland Christian reached the state quarterfinals, and Rogers was a second-team all-state pick on a 17-1-2 team that won the state title.

Sanchez was the Class 2A State co-Player of the Year as a junior at Bellingham , helping the Red Raiders to Northwest Conference, Northwest District and state titles. He was a first-team all-state, all-Northwest Conference and Bellingham Herald all-Whatcom County pick with 20 goals and 13 assists. Sanchez had four goals in one game against Lakewood .

Temple was a first-team Class 6A all-State and all-Metro League pick as a senior at Beaverton High School . He scored 19 goals and had 14 assists in helping the Beavers to a 12-6-2 record and a state title game appearance for first time in 25 years.

Previous Recruits