(DeLand, Fla.) ? The Stetson men's soccer program has signed five freshmen and added one senior transfer to the 2007 incoming class. The Hatters graduated five seniors from a team that went undefeated in the Atlantic Sun Conference regular season.
Daniel Sackman (Hampshire, England) comes to Stetson after representing his state of Hampshire as team captain from 2004-2007, during which time his team were the joint National Cup winners. Sackman was also named Hampshire schools sports federation outstanding footballer of the year in 2004-2005. During 2005-2006 Dan was the Sussex county team Captain.
“Dan has been a winner at every level he has played,” head coach Sean Murphy said. “He is a big, strong center back who is excellent in the air, a good passer of the ball as well as a ball winner. He also brings invaluable leadership qualities to Stetson and we expect him to compete for playing time immediately.”
Matt Jones (Berkshire, England) also continued the Stetson pipeline from England. While at The Forest School in Berkshire, Jones scored 11 goals in 10 games from midfield in 2007, as well as representing his state in both rugby and cricket. In 2006-07, Jones was selected as one of 16 players to represent the prestigious England Schoolboys team and scored his first international goal in a 1-1 tie against the Republic of Ireland in April 2007.
“Matt is a very talented attacking midfielder who likes to get forward, create chances as well as scoring his fair share of goals,” Murphy said. “Matt has international experience with the England Schoolboys team and we feel as though he will fit seamlessly into our program here at Stetson and have an impact from day one.”
Eugene Starikov (Palm Harbor, Fla.) comes to Stetson from Palm Harbor University High School. In 2007 he was one of only 75 players nationally to be recognized as an NSCAA High School All-American as well as adding the NSCAA Florida State Player of the Year to his list of accolades. Starikov plays club soccer for the Clearwater Chargers and comes to Stetson with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to major in International Business.
“Eugene is a very exciting talent and brings a great array of abilities to Stetson,” Murphy said. “He is an outstanding finisher, has very good technical ability and is an extremely intelligent player who makes excellent runs and decision-making in general. We are looking forward to Eugene having a very productive career here at Stetson.”
Miguel Rodrigues (Johannesburg, South Africa) is another international talent, having attended Greenside High School in Johannesburg, South Africa. Rodrigues was honored during his senior year as the Greenside High School athlete of the year. He has enjoyed an extensive soccer career which includes accomplishments such as being named Captain of the South Gauteng provincial champions and the Player of the Year at Supersport United Youth soccer club. Rodrigues was also named as the Greenside cross country Runner of the Year.
“Miguel is an outstanding athlete who has experienced outstanding accomplishments within the sports of soccer and cross country,” Murphy said. “His versatility and athleticism will be a great asset to our program.”
Ryan Corning (Ponte Verde, Fla.) was captain of the 2007 Class 4A Florida High Schools State Championship team at Nease High School in Ponte Verde, Fla. In 2007, Corning was named First Team All-St. John's River Athletic Conference, St. Augustine Record's St. John's County Player of the Year, and 2007 Jacksonville Times-Union All-First Coast boys soccer Player of the Year. Corning also carried a 3.95 GPA and is planning a Pre-Med track at Stetson.
“Ryan is another player that will bring a great deal of size and physicality to our squad,” Murphy said. “He is a player that is technically good, strong in the tackle as well as being a good distributor. Ryan has a great deal of potential and we feel as though at Stetson he will have a real chance of excelling and contributing to the team.”
Dan Zelasko (Wheaton, Ill.) is a senior transfer from the University of Milwaukee- Wisconsin. While at UWM, Zelasko helped his team to the third round of the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and the second round in 2005, as well as winning two Horizon League championships. Prior to attending UWM, Zelasko was a member of the Illinois ODP team and played club soccer for the Sockers FC in Chicago.
“Dan has a great deal of ability and will give us some balance both offensively and defensively as he is a naturally left footed player,” Murphy said. “He has a great deal of experience having progressed deep into the NCAA Tournament and we believe this experience and the qualities he brings will only serve to help us make a strong challenge in the A-Sun this year.”
