STATESBORO, Ga. - Georgia Southern head men's soccer coach Kevin Kennedy announced the signing of Ryan Mertes of Mooresville, N.C. to the 2008 Eagle soccer squad.

Mertes played midfield for his father, coach Jon Mertes, at Lake Norman High School, where he led the team to two, 3A State Championships (2006, 2007), posting an unprecedented 57-0 record. Mertes was tabbed an All-Region and All-State selection in 2006 and 2007, respectively, serving as team captain.

On the club front, he played for Ben Parry's Charlotte '90 Blue team, helping his team to multiple semi-finalist appearances at the State Cup. He was also instrumental in his team's finalist finish at the USL National Cup in 2007. Mertes has been a member of the North Carolina '90 State Team, as well as an attendee at the USL ODP National Training Camp from 2006-2008. Mertes competed for the Charlotte Soccer Club.

"I'm very excited about Ryan joining our squad,” said Kennedy, the 2006 Southern Conference Coach of the Year. “He is a very technical player who has a good understanding of the game. His work rate is tremendous, and I'm confident that he has the ability to compete for time right away. He's a proven winner, and I've been impressed with his character and mentality in both club and high school competitions."