STATESBORO, Ga.? Georgia Southern head soccer coach and 2006 Southern Conference ?Coach of the Year’ Kevin Kennedy announced today the signing of seven student-athletes to join the 2007 Eagle soccer team.

The incoming class includes four offensive players: Andres Cabrero, Luigi Clendening, Thomas Eisenhart and David Leonard; two defenders: Austin Steele and Chris Griffith; and goalkeeper Mike Gubosh.

Each student-athlete brings a wealth of club and high school playing experience to the team as the Eagles look to build upon an historic and successful 2006 season that saw GSU post a school-record eight shutouts, tally a 10-6-3 record ? its best performance since the 1997 campaign, earn a No. 7 ranking in the South region, and garner an appearance in the SoCon Tournament Championship match as the No. 2 seed.

Below is the incoming class roster:

Andres Cabrero played for South Cobb High School and Cobb FC ’89 Premier.  His club team captured the 2005 Georgia State Cup and the Region III Premier League Championships.  He is a three-year member of the Georgia state ODP team and the Region III team.  Cabrero recently played in the Mexican International Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico with the Region III team.  Prior to joining Cobb FC, Cabrero clubbed with Conquistadores de Guaynabo FC in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Andres is a truly exciting player, whether playing out wide or in a central position.  He has exceptional technical ability, and his vision is outstanding.  With these qualities, he could make an immediate impact for Georgia Southern.”

Luigi Clendening played club soccer for the Augusta Arsenal in the Region III Premier League.  He was named MVP of his high school team, Richmond Academy, as a sophomore and a junior.  While scoring 57 goals in his sophomore campaign, Clendening led Richmond Academy to the Georgia AAA State Championship.  His explosive speed and ability to beat players in the open field yielded over 150 goals at the high school level.  He was named to the all-area first team on three occasions.

“Luigi is a player that is capable of breaking down defenses and creating opportunities for himself and other players.  He’s a take-on artist that can create problems for defenders.”

Thomas Eisenhart played club soccer for the Coastal Georgia Rovers and Statesboro High School.  He was named Coastal Georgia Player of the Year in 2006 and earned MVP honors for his high school team as a sophomore and junior.  His club team was a semi-finalist at the 2006 Georgia State Cup.  Eisenhart is a member of the Georgia state ODP team.

“Thomas really epitomizes the qualities that we look for in forwards.  He is quick, technical and strong.  While courageous in the box, he is equally good at playing with his back to goal and combining with the players around him.”

Chris Griffith prepped at Marietta High School and played club for Cobb FC ’89 Premier.  He helped his club team to the 2005 Georgia State Cup Championship and the Region III Championship, as well as two quarterfinal appearances at the Regional Championships.  Griffith has been a member of the Georgia state ODP team for five years.

“Chris is a tenacious defender that likes to push forward and get involved in the attack. His combination of mental toughness and tactical understanding is a good fit for our system of play.”

Mike Gubosh currently plays club soccer for Cobb FC ’89 Premier.  He previously clubbed at CESA and helped his team to two South Carolina State Cup Championships and a Region III Finals appearance in 2004.  Gubosh is a two-time captain for Aquinas High School and he was a member of the team that won a Georgia AA State Championship in 2005 and a Final Four appearance in 2006.

“Mike is one of the most technically gifted goalkeepers that I’ve had the experience of working with.  He’s a natural leader, and I’m confident that he’ll challenge immediately for playing time.

David Leonard was a four-year starter at Aquinas High School and played club soccer for the Augusta Arsenal in the Region III Premier League.  While earning all-county honors as a sophomore and junior, Leonard led his team to the Georgia AA State Championship in 2005 and a Final Four appearance in 2006.  He was named Most Valuable Offensive Player on two occasions, as he recorded 63 goals and 58 assists.  Leonard’s club team was a Georgia State Cup semi-finalist in 2006.

“David possesses good field vision and solid technical ability.  He’s a creative player that has a clear understanding of the game.  I’m confident that his best soccer is still ahead of him.”

Austin Steele was a four-year starter at Harrison High School and led his team to the Georgia AAAAA State Championship game as a junior.  He earned MVP honors that same year, and was selected to the all-county team on two occasions.  As captain of the Cobb FC ’89 Premier club team, Steele helped his team win the 2005 State Cup and Region III Championships.  Steele is a five-year member of the Georgia state ODP team.

“Austin has all the tools and potential to make an immediate impact at Georgia Southern.  He’s technical, strong, very good in the air and has a solid understanding of the game.”

The Eagles lose four seniors in goalkeeper Adam Webb, defender Brad Mitchum, forward Calvin Simon and midfielder Jason Tindall.