Hattiesburg, MS- The Crusaders men's soccer program has announced a huge and diverse incoming class for 2009. The new slate is peppered with top line players. "To say this is an important year for us would be an understatement, it is a vital year" said head coach Nigel Boulton. "We needed to add to our already strong squad. We need to push on in the next two years and also set the foundation for the classes yet to come. I think we have done that." Boulton's hard work on the recruiting trail has seen him assemble a diverse group of players. Some have obvious pedigree, others have obvious potential.

Five Juco transfers

The Crusaders bring in five junior college transfers led by influential midfielder Rory Lynch from NorthOklahomaCollege. Lynch was an all-region player for the Mavericks who were nationally ranked in 2008 and hails from Manchester, England. Forward/midfielders Tyler Brackman and Thomas Fox-Lear were teammates at OakGroveHigh School but come in from JonesCountyCommunity College. Brackman was a standout for the Bobcats. Fox-Lear, although a top player in high school for the Warriors, did not play at Jones so he retains three years of eligibility and could be a surprise packet for the Crusaders. Midfielders Tyler Cheramie and Josh Dixon arrive from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mississippi. Cheramie is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Dixon from Meadville, Mississippi. "I know all five Juco's will be hoping to compete for places within the starting pool of players this coming season. All have shown me they are fully intent on making the most of their opportunity here." said Boulton

Freshmen class and potential

The new freshman class will provide its usual combination of instant hits and future standouts. "You never really know who will come in and grab the initiative and who will need some time to respond. We have had plenty of instant hits in the past and others who start a little slower but become tremendous performers in later time. Freshman Jonny Fairbairn (Northumberland, England) and sophomore Mitchell Barker (Houma, LA) are two good examples from last season. Jonny garnered votes as the 2008 MVP but had to settle for the ‘Rookie' award while Mitch excelled as the season went on picking up the ‘Most Improved Player' award" explained Boulton.

Local player Dan Jones steps in from PresbyterianChristianSchool in Hattiesburg and Nick Adcock from SouthJonesHigh School. "These are the only local freshmen coming in this year" Boulton revealed, saying of Jones, "He is a strong player physically and has a lot of potential. I have always liked him. I have watched him grow through the local youth soccer leagues. He comes from a great family and if he works hard he can definitely contribute." And of Adcock he said "Nick impressed me with his desire and his energy. He wanted to come here to Carey and that means a lot. I am pleased we were able to give him that chance."

Two Louisiana high school graduates are also joining the Crusaders, Patrick Early from Central LaFourche and Luke Baudean from Covington HS. Early who was born in Oklahoma played his club ball in Louisiana for the Blackhawks while Baudean opted for the Mandeville Lakers. "Patrick and Luke already know each other from competition in Louisiana and one thing you always know about Louisiana players is that they compete" added Boulton.

Jesus Cisneros is the only goalkeeper in the '09 class. From SkylineHigh School in Dallas, Texas, he comes with a stellar background from a highly competitive soccer city. Better known as ‘Chuy' the shot-stopper was a member of the FC Dallas academy of Major League Soccer. Boulton said "I was impressed with his calm assuredness, something not usual in a young goalkeeper. I know he will enjoy working with Per (Henrikson) our ‘keeper coach and alongside Mappo and Goody (current goalkeepers Sean Mapson and Carl Goody)."

Freshman internationals

The Crusaders overseas contingent this year provides players from England, France and Finland. Forward Reece Wilson, defender Chris Wood and midfielder Dan Leahy are from England with Medy Lorius coming from France and midfielder Jasper Pykkola from Finland. "There is always pressure on our foreign players to step up from the very first day. This class will be no exception" warned Boulton, adding " but I am confident they will all contribute fully throughout their time here. They have the pedigree to do so."

Wilson from Surrey was at Millwall's academy for five years and at 6' 1" is good in the air and a natural goalscorer. Lefty Wood is another six footer and hails from Shropshire where he attended the renowned sports academy at the FriarySchool and also played youth soccer for Chasetown. Leahy was at ManchesterCity as a youth and also had trials with Blackburn Rovers before a knee injury put him out. Now fully recovered, he is expecting his arrival at Carey to reignite his career. Frenchman Lorius is a skillful forward or midfielder who can find either the shot or the pass to both score and create goals. Pykkola is in the process of finishing military service for his native Finland and is a tough competitor who will add bite and intelligence to the midfield. He won 2 caps for the Finland U15 national team and twice won the Finnish U-19 national championship at youth level.     

"All our recruits have diverse qualities and potential to differing degrees, it is how they adapt and challenge themselves that will be the critical factor" said Boulton, "it's going to be an exciting season ahead."

The Crusaders report for pre-season training August 7^th.