Feb. 12, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State men's soccer head coach Barry Gorman has announced the addition of three recruits to the Nittany Lion program. Sepp Dasbach (Blue Bell, Pa.), Robbie Edwards (State College, Pa.), and Jordan Tyler (Rochester, Mich.) have signed national letters of intent to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level in Happy Valley.
Dasbach, a defender who hails from the soccer talent-rich area of eastern Pennsylvania, comes to Penn State after serving as a four-year varsity starter at Wissahickon H.S. in Ambler, Pa. In 2009, he led the Trojans to a Suburban One American Conference League title, earning selections to the All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer and All-State Teams. Also a two-time team MVP, First Team Suburban One All-League, and Suburban One League MVP (2008-09), Dasbach was named The Times Herald of Montgomery County 2009 Player of the Year and was recognized by ESPN Rise as one of the top players in Pennsylvania in 2010.
Playing club soccer for YMS Xplosion in Yardley, Pa., Dasbach helped his team to the USYSA National Championships in 2008 and 2009 and factored in a 2009 Region I Championship, 3 EPYSA State Cup Championships, and two Region I Premier League Championships.
"Sepp Dasbach is a very good solid defender who gives his all, be it in practices or games," said Gorman, who is entering his 23rd season at the helm of the program. "Our coaching staff believes he is a great fit for our present and future needs. I am delighted Sepp has decided to join our 2010 squad."
A local product who attended State College Area H.S. and played for former Nittany Lion John Marsden (1972-75), Edwards helped lead the 2009 Little Lions to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 1983 by scoring in all championship games. He also contributed on State College teams that won PIAA District VI Championships in 2008 and 2009 and the 2008 Mid State Cup for the first time in school history, netting the game-winning goal. In two years of varsity play, Edwards scored 28 goals, including 15 in 2009 to go along with three assists.
As a member of the Pennsylvania Classics club team, he led the U-16 USSF Academy squad with seven goals for the 2008-09 season.
Edwards will enroll at Penn State full-time and begin training with the Nittany Lions in January 2011.
"Robbie Edwards is an outstanding local prospect. He is a player with a lot of potential and I believe he will be one for the future. Robbie proves that we have area talent capable of playing division one soccer," said Gorman.
Tyler boasts an impressive soccer resume, joining Penn State after a highly decorated high school and club career. He is rated as the No. 7 collegiate prospect in the Great Lakes region and 49th nationally, according to Top Drawer Soccer. A native of Rochester, Mich., the same area that produced former two-time All-Big Ten forward Simon Omekanda, he was a four-year varsity starter at Stoney Creek H.S. A versatile standout who played all over the field for the Cougars, Tyler was named All-Oakland Athletics Association and all-district for all four years, including as a freshman, becoming the first player in Michigan to receive that recognition. Blessed with uncommon athleticism and imposing size at 6-2, 200, he either led or finished second on the team in scoring throughout his high school career. As a senior, Tyler was selected by the Michigan High School Soccer Association to the state Dream Team and to the All-State First Team and was also a Gatorade Player of the Year candidate.
At the club level, playing for the Michigan Wolves for the past four years, Tyler helped the team win a national championship in 2007, scoring a goal in the championship game, and an academy national championship in 2009, tallying a goal and an assist in the playoffs.
"Jordan Tyler is a quality player and individual," Gorman said. "I am delighted he has decided to continue his academic and soccer career at Penn State. Without a doubt, Jordan is an excellent addition to what our staff believes is an already formidable 2010 Penn State Soccer squad."
Penn State will begin its 2010 spring season on Tues., March 30 when it hosts the Harrisburg City Islanders, a professional team that is a member of the United Soccer League's Second Division and features former Nittany Lion Anthony Calvano (2002-04). The remainder of PSU's spring schedule will be released in the near future.
The 2010 season will be a special one for the Penn State men's soccer program, as it will mark its 100th year of existence with a season-long celebration. Beginning this spring and culminating in the fall with a weekend of events including a reunion reception, a Nittany Lion game, and a banquet, the celebration will acknowledge the program's proud and distinguished tradition and history. Information, announcements, and any updates will be posted to the GoPSUsports.com website as they are solidified and become available. In 2010, Penn State will also serve as hosts of the Big Ten Tournament (Nov. 11-14) for the third time since joining the conference in 1991.
Gorman returns 17 letterwinners and nine starters, including four All-Big Ten performers and 2009 team leaders in goals and assists, from a squad that won 12 games, advanced to the Big Ten Tournament title game, and earned a berth in the NCAA Championship last season.