NORFOLK, Va. -- The Old Dominion men's soccer program added five student-athletes as a part of the 2016 recruiting class, head coach Alan Dawson announced on Tuesday.
Overall, the class is comprised of three defenders, one midfielder and one forward/midfielder, and includes representation from five different states (Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia). For more information on the 2016 recruiting class, head to the Men's Soccer Signing Day Central page.
Shaun Brooks, a forward/midfielder from Chesapeake, Virginia, comes to Old Dominion after playing for local club team Beach FC for the past two years. Brooks, who lived in England for three years, also has experience playing for Guiseley JFC and Wharfedale County in Leeds, England.
“Shaun is a natural forward who has very good instincts in the box," said Dawson about Brooks. "He is a confident player who has experience overseas as well as locally with Beach FC. He brings a great attitude and work rate to our program and has enrolled in the spring to elevate his game to the college level.”
Matthew Carey, a midfielder from Overland Park, Kansas, brings depth and versatility to the Monarch midfield, following a dominant senior campaign at Blue Valley Northwest High School. Carey was named the 6A offensive player of the year after helping lead his team to the 6A state championship. Carey was also tabbed as the Kansas City Metro Player of the Year.
“Matt comes to us from Kansas City and originates from Maryland," said Dawson on Carey. "He is a quick dynamic player who has great attacking instincts and has a nose for goal. We are delighted to bring him onboard late in the recruiting process and look forward to coaching him in the future.”
Kaio DaSilva, a 6-4 defender from White Plains, New York, comes to ODU after being an all-state performer at Valhalla High School. DaSilva was a four-year starter, earning all-state honors three times and all-region accolades twice. He was also the winner of the prestigious Con Edison Award.
“Kaio will be joining us in the Fall as a defender and has all the tools to make an immediate impact in the squad," said Dawson on DaSilva. "He is an all-around athlete with good speed and size to compliment a tough competitive spirit. He has been playing for the New York Soccer Club.”
Joshua Masaru Franklin, a defender from Missouri City, Texas, makes the move to Norfolk after starring for both Ridge Point High School and the Houston Dynamo academy. During his tenure with the academy and also Houston Express, Franklin competed in the 2014 and 2015 Generation Adidas Cups and the 2015 Disney Winter Showcase.
“Josh has joined the squad in the Spring and is getting better every day," said Dawson on Franklin. "He is a tireless worker with a great attitude and appetite for the game. He is a speedy, feisty player who we project to play as a fullback or wide midfield guy. He has experience playing with the Houston Dynamo as well as the Houston Express in Texas.”
Jake Stengel, a 6-2 back from Allentown, Pennsylvania, arrives at Old Dominion following standout seasons with both Lehigh Valley United FC and Parkland High School. At Parkland, Stengel was a two-time all-league selection and was also named to the all-area and all-state squads. Stengel helped lead his club team to for state titles and was selected for the state ODP team three times.
“Jake is physically ready for the college game and is a player who has enjoyed a lot of success with his club team," said Dawson on Stengel. "He comes in as a defender with a good engine and has played for Lehigh Valley Club Team.”
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