May 4, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State men's soccer head coach Bob Warming has announced the addition of 11 newcomers to the program for the 2011 season. Joining the Nittany Lions is Jacob Barron (La Mirada, Calif.), Julian Cardona (Lincoln, Neb.), Randy Falk (Tewksbury Township, N.J.), Owen Griffith (Lewisburg, Pa.), Marvin Ledgister (London, England), Kyle MacDonald (Yardley, Pa.), Danny Sheerin (College Park, Md.), Hasani Sinclair (Coral Springs, Fla.), Doug Stevenson (Leawood, Kan.), Minh Vu (Tucson, Ariz.), and Andrew Wolverton (Snellville, Ga.).
The class is comprised of six true freshmen and five transfers and includes recruits from nine different states and one international player.
Jacob Barron, a junior midfielder, has been at Penn State since the beginning of of the calendar year following his coast-to-coast transfer from UC Davis. In his first two collegiate seasons, he appeared in 37 games for the Aggies, making 29 starts.
Playing for Cal South ODP, he led his team to a regional title in 2008 and a national championship in 2009. At the club level, he was a member of South Coast Bayern's U-17 squad, traveling to Northern Ireland to compete in the prestigious Milk Cup in 2008. Barron attended La Habra High School, where, as a senior, he was named first team all-area and All-Freeway League following a season in which he registered six goals and eight assists and helped the Highlanders to a 24-3-2 record and a Southern Section Division III title.
Coach Warming on Jacob Barron
"Jacob has really benefitted from transferring to Penn State in January and our team has benefitted as well. He is a worker both on the field and off. He leads by example and has become super fit. I'm not sure I've ever coached a player who gets into and wins more tackles. He is a thoughtful front screen for the back four with good vision and technical ability. There is a lot of upside to Jacob and he has proven this spring that he is willing to put in the extra effort and time to find out how far he can go in the game."
Julian Cardona will wear Penn State blue and white starting in 2011 after two standout seasons at Butler University. As a key member of the Bulldogs' front line and midfield in 2009 and 2010, he started 33 of the 39 games in which he appeared, tallying 10 goals and four assists. In his rookie season, Cardona was named Horizon League Newcomer of the Year and to the College Soccer News All-Freshman Team after finishing second on the team in scoring and leading the conference with four game-winning goals. In 2010, he was a central figure on a Butler team that posted a 16-1-3 record and captured its second straight Horizon League regular season championship and a conference tournament title.
At the club level, Cardona played with Arsenal United under head coach Alex Vasquez, winning four state championships (2004-07). His ODP experience includes participation on the Region II team (2007-08) and the USYS SuperGroup (2007-08).
Cardona started his high school career at Pius X in Lincoln, Neb., earning all-city and all-state honors while leading it a state runner-up finish in 2007. Attending Shattuck-St. Mary's High School in Faribault, Minn. for his junior and senior years, he was named Soccer Player of the Year in 2008.
Coach Warming on Julian Cardona
"I've know Julian since he was 10 years old, and helped train him as he was growing up with his Arsenal club. He is a natural leader and a positive person. I was not surprised that Puerto Rico called him into the National team last year. He has already established himself as a very good college player on a Butler team that went 30-4-5 in Julian's first two years as a starter. I think there is still more there and am excited to work with him full-time to help him see how good he can become."
A native of Tewksbury Township, N.J., Randy Falk will continue his soccer career at Penn State after leading The Pingry School to a 71-4-1 record, four conference and county championships, and a state title. Falk was a highly decorated four-year starter in the midfield for the Big Blue, earning Somerset County MVP, NJSCA First Team All-State, and First Team All-Somerset County, Skyland Division, All-American East, and Courier News honors. He also received ESPN Rise honorable mention and ESPN Fall All-State Soccer All-Star recognition.
Falk also excelled as a member of the Players Development Academy, one of the nation's premier club programs, under head coach Sam Nellins.
Coach Warming on Randy Falk
"Randy has had some great experience playing and training with the PDA club. He is a bulldog and has power in his strikes. He has played all over the field, but we will work with him as a right back and help him learn that position well while counting on his work rate to get out of the back and support the attack with crosses and penetrating balls."
One of two Pennsylvania natives in the 2011 class, Owen Griffith is a local product, coming to Penn State from nearby Lewisburg. A club member with Penn Fusion from 2009-10, he helped his team win the Players Develop Tournament, place second in the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) National League, and claim fourth place at the USYS National Championships. In 2011, Griffith played academy soccer with PA Classics. Also, active with the PA East ODP team from 2007-09, he won a Region I championship in 2008.
At Lewisburg High School, he was a four-year letterwinner, totaling 43 goals and 30 assists while contributing to 77 wins. In his senior season, Griffith notched a career-high 20 goals and 12 assists, earning first team all-state honors. He led the Dragons to three District 4 titles and to the state quarterfinals in 2008 and 2010.
Coach Warming on Owen Griffith
"Owen is a soccer junkie and I love that about him. He will go anywhere to get a game. He is long, very good in the air, dangerous on free kicks, can be mean in the tackle and has good feet. When he catches up with the speed of play at this level, he can be a center back that is tough to beat."
Marvin Ledgister, a native of London, England who will enroll with junior eligibility, is a transfer from North Iowa Area Community College, located in Mason City, Iowa. The 6-1, 195 midfielder/forward was the Trojans' leading scorer the past two seasons, recording 24 goals and 18 assists. In 2010, Ledgister was selected to the NSCAA All-Region First Team after leading NIACC to a 16-3-2 record and the Region XI Championship. Also a successful student, he earned 2010 All-USA Community College Academic honors.
In secondary school, Ledgister won four Inner London Cups, two London Cups, two Bexley Cups, and his team was the Coca-Cola national runner-up from South England.
Coach Warming on Marvin Ledgister
"Marvin is talented, left footed and has a great soccer background from England. He is a handful when he runs at you because he is big, powerful, has great feet, and some cleverness to him. He will need to step up his fitness level over the next few months after competing at the Junior College level where the games are a bit slower. But, he can get there and we are counting on him to get there quickly."
Kyle MacDonald, a midfielder who hails from the soccer talent-rich area of eastern Pennsylvania, will play for the Nittany Lions following a standout career at Pennsbury High School in Yardley, Pa. As a four-year starter, he led the Falcons to 63 victories, two Suburban One League National titles (2008, 2009), and to the PIAA AAA State quarterfinals (2010). In his senior year, he recorded eight goals and 12 assists, earning ESPN Rise Top 40 Players in Pennsylvania, First Team All-Suburban One League National, and Bucks County Courier Times All-Golden First Team recognition.
MacDonald played club soccer with YMS Thunder under head coach Albert Prickett, helping it to earn a national No. 2 ranking by GotSoccer.com. He was part of an EPYSA State Cup National Championship series title in 2010 after qualifying as a finalist in 2007 and 2009. MacDonald and his team finished second in the Region I Premier League and was a finalist at the Disney Soccer Showcase in 2010. This year, it won a championship at the Jefferson Cup Showcase.
Coach Warming on Kyle MacDonald
"Kyle is someone we had no idea about before coming to Penn State. I had never heard of him, but Jason Mims identified him the first day of camp last summer and said, `coach you are going to love this guy.' He is sharp on the ball and super fit. Kyle is a brilliant student and will be in the Honors College at Penn State. He is going to have a chance to play right away as a freshman. If we find a player like this every summer in camp, it's going to be a great run at Penn State."
Danny Sheerin, a goalkeeper from the soccer hotbed of suburban Washington, D.C., will continue a Penn State family legacy by becoming the 11th member to attend the university. Currently active in club play with the Bethesda SC Internationals under head coach Pete Mehlert, his team is ranked No. 3 in the state of Maryland and will take part in the upcoming Maryland State Cup semifinals in early May. A year ago, as member of the Soccer Association of Columbia club team, Sheerin helped it to the No. 2 ranking in the state and a Maryland State Cup finals appearance.
At the ODP level, Sheerin was on the Maryland ODP squad from 2005-07, traveling with the team to participate in games in Scotland and Argentina. He also played with the DC United Academy Development Program in 2008 and the USL Real Maryland Super Y team in 2009.
Starring at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Md., Sheerin allowed just eight goals in 41 career games. As a junior, he played as a sub in 17 games, surrendering just one goal while suffering no losses, as DCHS went 20-3. In 2010, Sheerin led the Stags to a perfect 24-0-0 record, a No. 3 NSCAA national ranking, and a No. 1 NSCAA state and regional ranking. Starting every match, he recorded 16 shutouts while allowing just seven goals, including no more than one in any game, for a 0.30 goals against average. In recognition of his standout season, Sheerin was selected first team all-conference and all-county in addition to earning Washington Post All-Metro goalkeeper honors.
Coach Warming on Danny Sheerin
"Danny was the very first prospect to email me the first day my email started working at Penn State. Danny is a talented athlete that has split his time between sports. I am excited to see what development he can make in his game with a full-time focus on becoming his best as a goalkeeper."
Hasani Sinclair, a forward, comes to Happy Valley after spending the first two years of his collegiate career at the University of South Florida. As a USF Bull, he played in 38 games, totaling seven goals and eight assists. In his freshman season of 2009, Sinclair saw action in all 21 games and tied for the team lead in points with 15, earning BIG EAST and national all-rookie team recognition.
Prior to college, Sinclair starred at American Heritage High School, receiving Parade Magazine and First Team ESPN Rise All-America honors. In his senior campaign, he scored 47 goals and tallied 14 assists to earn Florida Gatorade Player of the Year accolades and lead AHHS to the state 2A championship.
Active in the Olympic Development program, he competed on the Region III team for the three years and with the U.S Under-15, 16, 18, and 20 squads. As a member of the U-18 team, Sinclair played in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup and won a gold medal at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival. With the U-20 team, he participated in the Copas Chivas Tournament in Portugal.
Coach Warming on Hasani Sinclair
"Hasani has had some terrific experiences with various national teams. He wants to be pushed, he wants to get better, and he wants to help us win championships at Penn State. He is a big slashing forward who can give our team immediate depth and will keep opposing center backs on their toes the whole match. Academically and for where he wants to get to as a player, Penn State is a great match for him."
Doug Stevenson, a midfielder/forward from Leawood, Kan., attended Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo., where he became the program's first three-time state champion, leading the Hawklets to state titles in 2007, 2008, and 2010. A four-year varsity letterwinner at Rockhurst, Stevenson was a three-time All-District honoree and a two-time First Team All-Metro, All-West Region, and All-State selection. As a senior, he led the team with 68 points, totaling 27 goals and 14 assists and was named to the NSCAA All-Midwest Team and received ESPN Rise Honorable Mention recognition.
At the club level, Stevenson won four Kansas State Cup championships (2005-07, 2009) with KCFC Alliance for head coach Gareth Hughes. He was also involved in the Missouri State (2004-07) and Kansas State (2008-09) Olympic Development Programs and was on the Region II squad that was invited to the NCAA Regional Team Showcase in North Carolina.
Coach Warming on Doug Stevenson
"I first saw Doug when he was about nine years old. I liked him right away as a player. Always thinking ahead even at an early age, always moving, he's a winner and the 27 goals he scored last year to win the Missouri State Championship was a great feat. Doug went to school at Rockhurst and I've had the good fortune to coach a couple of guys from that program who became All- Americans and pros. I was glad to steal Doug from the Midwest and bring him to Penn State."
Following two seasons at the junior college level, Minh Vu will join the Nittany Lions in 2011 with junior eligibility. Vu, a midfielder/forward, was a standout at Pima Community College in his hometown of Tucson, Ariz. As a freshman, he earned Second Team All-America honors, finishing second in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) in goals and points (42), as Pima posted a 15-6-1 record. In 2010, Vu led NJCAA Region I in scoring with 44 points, receiving NJCAA First Team All-American, Region I Player of the Year, First Team All-ACCAC, and First Team All-Region I recognition.
Prior to enrolling at PCC, Vu was an offensive force at Rincon High School, scoring 74 goals and tallying 50 assists. The four-year varsity letterwinner led the Rangers to an Arizona 5A2 state championship in 2007 and runner-up finishes in 2008 and 2009. As a senior, Vu was selected first team all-state and all-conference after a 29-goal, 14-assist season.
Coach Warming on Mihn Vu
"Mihn has some special talents on the ball and some sharpness off the ball. He can run at players with and without the ball and create problems and has great technical range. He is committed to improving his physical range and if he can put it all together can be a big impact player for us immediately."
A much-heralded goalkeeper from Snellville, Ga., Andrew Wolverton, at 6-5, is blessed with good size and range. A four-year varsity starter and two-time team captain at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, he helped the Golden Lions to three consecutive Region 5 championships (2009-11) and to the AAA State Championship in 2009. One of the top players in the state, Wolverton was named a Spring All-Star by ESPN Rise and was a candidate for the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year in 2010 and is again in 2011.
Under Concorde Fire Academy head coach Gregg Blasingame, Wolverton led his club to the 2010 academy playoffs and earned Southeastern Conference Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2009-10 season. A key member of the U.S. Under-18 National Team, he made several international trips with the squad, playing games in Portugal, Argentile, Chile, and Israel.
Coach Warming on Andrew Wolverton
"Every time I see Andrew, he just keeps getting bigger and he keeps making the goal look smaller. Andrew has had several trips now with the U.S. U-18 National team. Typically, a lot of goalkeepers get run through this pool but few stay or get invited back. Andrew has gotten invited back time after time with good reason. He is a very hard working player who wants to be a National team goalkeeper and a pro. Few people on the planet are his size and have the hands that he has."
In his first season at the helm of the Penn State program, Warming led the 2010 Nittany Lions to 14 wins, the most since by a PSU team since 2002, a Big Ten Tournament title game appearance, and to the program's first NCAA postseason victory in five years. Penn State boasted one of the nation's most prolific offenses, totaling 144 points (45 goals, 54 assists) in 23 games, but have lost Corey Hertzog, the NCAA's top goal scorer in 2010, to the MLS and Matheus Braga, the nation's assist leader a year ago, to graduation. Returning to lead the Lions in 2011 will be veterans Mackenzie Arment (Manheim, Pa.), Justin Lee (Derwood, Md.), Matt Smallwood (Cochranville, Pa.), Mark Fetrow (West Chester, Pa.), and Brian Forgue (Glenmoore, Pa.).
2011 PENN STATE MEN'S SOCCER SIGNEES
Jacob Barron, Midfielder, La Mirada, Calif. (UC Davis)
Julian Cardona, Forward/Midfielder, Lincoln, Neb. (Butler)
Randy Falk, Defender, Tewksbury Township, N.J.
Owen Griffith, Defender, Lewisburg, Pa.
Marvin Ledgister, Midfielder/Forward, London, England (North Iowa Area Community College)
Kyle MacDonald, Midfielder, Yardley, Pa.
Danny Sheerin, Goalkeeper, College Park, Md.
Hasani Sinclair, Forward, Coral Springs, Fla. (South Florida)
Doug Stevenson, Midfielder/Forward, Leawood, Kan.
Minh Vu, Midfielder/Forward, Tucson, Ariz. (Pima Community College)
Andrew Wolverton, Goalkeeper, Snellville, Ga.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS BY COACH WARMING
On the losses from last year's team
"We lost five outstanding seniors and Corey Hertzog signed a Generation adidas contract. These six starters lead the team in every way last year. They were outstanding students, had outstanding character, and made the transition year in 2010 one that will set the standard for future teams. On the attack, they accounted for 29 goals and 29 assists. Corey lead the nation in scoring, the first player from a major conference to do that in a long time, and Matheus Braga lead the nation in assists."
On the 2011 class
"The unfortunate trend in recruiting is that many of the top players in the country commit as juniors. The time of the transition to Penn State in June of last year really put us behind the pack since so many players had already committed to this class prior to our arrival. However, I couldn't be happier with the guys we got. If they are willing to put in the work necessary prior to August, we can have a very good team this fall."
On the five transfers
"Because the team had so much success last year, and because we are Penn state, it was amazing how many inquiries we got from players who wanted to transfer to Penn State; certainly more than I have ever seen. I have had some talented players transfer and have great success, going all the way back to Jason Mims, my former assistant coach, who helped us turn a losing team into a Final Four College Cup team in one season. More recently, I had Chris Schuler and Andrei Gotsmanov transfer to my teams and become All-Americans and, eventually, professional players. If these transfers are willing to put in the work, I could see something similar happening for them."