March 2, 2005
SAN DIEGO -
<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>San Diego State men's soccer head coach Lev Kirshner announced the signings of seven student-athletes, including four with national team experience and a transfer from Boston College, to spearhead the Aztecs transition into Pac-10 conference play. The seven will join SDSU for the 2005 soccer season.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
"This is our first recruiting class since joining the Pac-10 and we have already seen the benefits," Kirshner said. "This class has everything you look for when recruiting, including athleticism, pace, skill and pedigree. We will enjoy watching our new recruits mesh with our current squad, creating depth and competition."
The first of the signees is Kevin Werbner from Manchester, Conn., who joins the Aztecs with an outstanding pedigree in youth soccer. Werbner was a member of the under-16 U.S. national team and was its leading scorer in its tour of Mexico in 2002. He was a participant in the prestigious adidas ESP summer camp and is a five-year starter for his Olympic Development Program (ODP) Region I team. At Manchester High School, Werbner was named the 2004 conference player of the year, as well as being a two-time all-state and three-time all-conference selection. He was named first team all-New England honoree his senior year.
"With Kevin, we are very fortunate to have one of the nation's premier strikers," Kirshner said. "His talent and presence on the field will make Kevin an integral part of our attacking scheme for years to come."
Omar Persad, who travels to SDSU from Louisville, Ky., is another talented addition to the 2005 squad. In 2002, Persad traveled with Werbner to Mexico while representing the United States' under-16 national team. He is a two-time participant at the prestigious adidas ESP summer camp and was selected to its all-star team in 2003. Persad, a four-year starter for his ODP Region II team, was named to Kentucky's all-state team in 2004.
"Omar adds a dynamic to our attacking scheme with his craftiness and his technical ability. We expect him to be a significant contributor for next season's squad," Kirshner said.
Johann Helgason comes to SDSU from 2004 NCAA soccer sweet-16 participant Boston College where he started every game in his freshman season and will transfer with three years of eligibility remaining. Helgason was the leading assist man and third overall in points for the Eagles. He started for his native Iceland's under-17 and 19 national teams, and played with the under-21 squad, notching three assists in international play.
"Johann will bring an added attacking presence that this program has missed," Kirshner said. "He is a true playmaker and we will look for him to embrace this responsibility. His NCAA tournament and Big East Conference experience should allow him to acclimate very easily."
Aaron Pinckney, from Corona, Calif., is a three-year starter for ODP Region IV and won the Western Regional and National Championships with the California-South ODP squad. Aaron has participated in the under-14 and 18 national team training camps and was invited to the under-18 team's 2005 Mexico tour. At Santiago High School, Pinckney has been an all-conference and defensive MVP.
"Aaron is one of the best center backs to come out of this year's recruiting class," Kirshner said. "He will press our current squad for significant minutes, helping us build depth in the back."
San Diego area native Jamel Wallace, the Avocado League Player of the Year, is one of the sleeper prospects in Southern California. A Cal-South ODP product, Wallace was a member of the ODP western regional champions with the San Diego Surf Soccer Club. He also has experience at ODP regional camp. He is Oceanside High School's all-time leading scorer and is a first team all-north county, all-CIF, and all-Avocado League selection.
"Jamel is a player who has unlimited potential," Kirshner said. "In the very near future he has the ability to win a job at any position he decides to embrace. That kind of versatility is very exciting."
Another southern California product, Matt McManus plays for Canyon High School in Santa Clarita, and is a member of the Nomads soccer club in San Diego. He anchored his club team's defense, helping lead them to titles at the Nomads College Showcase and the Disney Showcase. McManus was the Foothill League's second-leading scorer and a two-time all-league selection. McManus is a finalist for the Foothill League's MVP award.
"Matt is an extremely versatile player who will add necessary depth to our squad," Kirshner said. "He has dominated the center back position for his club team and during high school. Matt's presence will force a very competitive environment on next year's squad."
Danny Ortiz, a Palmdale, Calif. native, plays for Highland High School and the Alta Loma Arsenal Football Club. He was a 2003 all-Golden League honoree and was also selected his team's most inspirational player. Most recently, Ortiz was selected to the Cal-South Premier Development Program, which is for the top players in southern California.
"Danny is a sleeping giant in this class," Kirshner said. "He just quietly gets the job done regardless of the level or team and is a winner and leader with tremendous understanding of the game. He will be an excellent attacking presence from the back."
Overall, Kirshner believes this class has a chance to be one of the most distinguished groups to come to Montezuma Mesa in many years.
"This excellent class will allow us to have a chance to compete in the Pac-10 Conference," Kirshner said. "Being a part of the nation's top soccer conference holds great responsibility. We are now a member of the strongest collection of teams in the nation and that is a challenge that our 2005 team will be ready to meet."