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Oaks Ink 4 More
The 2006 recruiting class has risen to 15 with the signatures of 4 more incoming freshmen. Adem Ali (London, England), Tito Fernandez (Hammond, IN), Jonathon Lee (Stanley, England), and David Leng (Rotherham, England) have all committed to join the Mighty Oaks in 2006.
Fernandez was the top goal scorer in Indiana high school soccer last season with 41 goals from 17 games. He was named 1st team all-conference all four years, was a 2-time all-district selection, was a 2-time academic all-state selection, a 2-year captain and an all-state pick as a senior. He finished his high school career with 96 goals and 32 assists. "In Tito we have a proven offensive weapon. Anyone who can average almost 2.5 goals per game knows where the net is. "enthused Coach Botterill, "As soon as we get him accustomed to the movement required to open up college level defenses we will have ourselves a real player."
Ali is another left sided player who will provide a real offensive threat with his dribbling skills and crossing ability. He represented Middlesex County at U-16 and U-18 levels. "Adem will be a real asset to our team as a creator down the left side." Noted Botterill, "He is very dangerous on the ball and has an eye for goal which should see him contribute immediately."
Lee is equally at home either as a forward or an attacking midfielder and will supply creativity with his movement, ability on the ball and vision. He spent time in the youth teams of former EPL teams Leeds United and Sunderland. Botterill had this to say about Lee, "Jonathon will be a great addition to our team from an attacking point of view. He has a great understanding of the game, which is demonstrated by good movement and incisive passing. As long as he copes with the physical aspects of college he will be a huge asset."
Leng, is a central midfielder who was part of the youth team at English professional side Rotherham United. He captained that team as well as his high school and academy teams. Leng is expected to compete for a starting spot in the midifeld straight away. "David has a great pedigree, having played at a number of very good clubs." Commented Coach Botterill, "He is a talented midfielder with great leadership skills which should come to the fore in such a young squad."
With 2-3 more recruits still expected to sign in the coming days Botterill is very happy with the way his first full recruiting season is shaping up. "Our goals with this recruiting class were to improve the team in two areas, talent and depth, and I feel that we are well on the way to achieving those goals. We will have a much bigger squad this year which will add a greater competition for places as well as allowing us to go further into the bench with out losing too much talent-wise. We also have a number of new players who are capable of commanding a starting place immediately. If the squad gels quickly and we get a little luck, this should be a good year for OCU soccer."