Men?s Soccer Signs Seven for 2009 Season

STATESBORO, Ga. - Georgia Southern men’s soccer added seven student-athletes for the 2009 season.

“I’m very excited about this class, as I believe we have some outstanding young men joining our team in the fall,” said head coach Kevin Kennedy.

The Eagles added four midfielders, a forward, a goalkeeper and a defender. The class includes three players from Georgia, two from Mississippi, one from South Carolina and one from Colorado.

“We have addressed our needs for the future, and I’m confident that these players will be able to compete immediately,” said Kennedy. “In addition to having great athletic potential, all of the members of this year’s class also have proven academic track records.”

Men’s soccer looks to improve on its 8-8-1 record and semifinal appearance in the SoCon tournament when they take the field in 2009.

“Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this class is the fact that all of these players are proven winners. They are products of very good club programs, and this is evident in their club accolades as well as their high school records,” said Kennedy.

2009 GEORGIA SOUTHERN MEN’S SOCCER SIGNING CLASS

Neal Bates

Watkinsville, GA

North Oconee High School

GSA Phoenix 92

Goalkeeper

6’ 1” 170 lbs.

Neal is a goalkeeper for the GSA Phoenix 92 club team that won the U-17 2008 Georgia State Cup. GSA is a Region Premier League team that has won their flight at CASL in 2006 and 2008, and they were recently finalists at the 2008 Disney Showcase. In addition to his club team, Neal is also a three sport athlete at North Oconee High School.

Coach Kennedy on Neal Bates: “Neal has a very bright future, and we’re very eager for him to join our team in the fall. He has great technical ability, and his work rate is outstanding. I’m confident that his best soccer is ahead of him.”

Matthew Starks

Cumming, GA

South Forsyth High School

Norcross Fury Gold 91

Midfielder, Forward

5’ 11” 170 lbs.

Matt plays both outside midfielder and forward for the U-18 2008 Georgia State Cup champions Norcross Fury Gold 91. In addition to winning the Region Premier League east division, his club team won the 2008 Potomac Cup and 2008 Norcross Cup, as well as finishing as a quarterfinalist at the 2008 Southern Regional Championships. 

Coach Kennedy on Matt Starks “Matt is a pretty dynamic player, and we believe he will make a quick transition to Southern Conference soccer. He has great pace, one-on-one technical ability and a real passion for the game. He can play in both forward and outside midfield roles, and his versatility will give our team some good attacking options.”

Cameron Troutman

Ocean Springs, MS

Ocean Springs High School

Gulf Coast United Futbol Club

Midfielder

5’ 10” 165 lbs.

Cameron plays outside midfielder and outside defender for Gulf Coast United Futbol Club. He is a current member of the Mississippi State ODP team, as well as a member of the Region III pool. In addition to his club duties, Cameron was called into the training camp for the youth Canadian National Team. As captain of the Ocean Springs High School team, Cameron was selected as MVP and earned All-State Honors.

Coach Kennedy on Cameron Troutman “We’re very excited about Cam joining our team in the fall. He possesses solid technical ability, good pace, and a true desire to compete. He is a proven winner, and we believe that Cam can compete for time as both an outsider midfielder and an outside defender.”

Rich Heyer

Tupelo, MS

Tupelo High School

Gulf Coast United Futbol Club

Forward

6’ 1” 165 lbs.

Rich plays forward and midfielder for his club team Gulf Coast United Futbol Club. He has been a part of three state championships with his club team and high school team, Tupelo High School. In addition to being a member of the Mississippi State ODP team, Rich is also a two sport athlete at Tupelo. As team captain in 2007, Rich led his team to the State AAAAA Championship. As a member of the high school track team, he finished 2^nd in the 4 x 200 relay at the State AAAAA Meet. 

Coach Kennedy on Rich Heyer: “I have high hopes for Rich this fall. He is a tireless worker on the field, and his size and speed should create problems for opposing defenders. We believe that Rich will compete immediately for time at the forward position.”

Connor Talbert

Centennial, CO

Arapahoe High School

Real Colorado

Midfielder, Forward

5’ 10” 175 lbs.

Connor plays as a midfielder and a forward for his club team Real Colorado. As a member of the USSF Academy League, Connor served as captain for his club team and recently led his team to an undefeated appearance at the Academy Showcase in Lancaster, CA. Prior to the inception of the USSF Academy, Connor was a member of the Colorado State ODP team. In addition to his club duties, Connor also captains his team at Arapahoe High School. As a first team All-Conference selection, Connor garnered team MVP honors.

Coach Kennedy on Connor Talbert: “Connor is a player that has the potential to help us in a number of areas. He’s very versatile and could contribute to our needs in the back, midfield or forward positions. He’s technical, quick, strong and very tough in the tackle. His passion and enthusiasm will be welcomed by the team and the staff.”

Adam Guediri

Marietta, GA

Lassiter High School

NASA Elite

Midfielder

5’ 10” 165 lbs.

Adam is a central midfielder for the NASA Elite club team and Lassiter High School. While playing with his club team, Adam has competed against some of the best teams in the country at events such as the CASL Shootout, the Disney Showcase and the Georgia State Cup. In addition to serving as captain of his high school team, Adam also earned team MVP honors. Adam’s sister, Nadine, played for the women’s team at Georgia Southern.

Coach Kennedy on Adam Guediri: “We’re excited about having Adam sign with Georgia Southern. He is very good technically and can really play anywhere in midfield. Adam has a tremendous work rate and a real desire to win.  I’m confident that Adam will be able to contribute to our needs in midfield.”

Thomas Valikonis

Greer, SC

Eastside High School

CESA Premier 90

Defender

5’ 11” 172 lbs.

Thomas is a central defender for CESA Premier 90, a Region Premier League east division championship team. In addition to his club duties, Thomas is the team captain for the South Carolina State ODP team. As a member of the Region III ODP team, Thomas has had the opportunity to play abroad over the last few years. As a four year starter for Eastside High School, Thomas earned All-State Honors on two occasions and NSCAA All-South Region Honors in 2008.

Coach Kennedy on Thomas Valikonis: “Thomas will help us in the central defender area, and we’re confident that he will make an immediate contribution. He is strong, technically sound, and has a very good tactical understanding of the game. His experience with the Region III team should help him make a quick transition to the college game.”

Category: Men's Soccer

Published on Monday, 09 February 2009 00:10