Corban's head men's soccer coach Paul Meehan announced Friday the seven recruits that will be wearing a Warrior uniform for the first time next season.
Corban Announces Recruiting Class For 2011
SALEM, Ore. – Corban University's head men’s soccer coach Paul Meehan announced Friday the seven student-athletes that will make up his 2011 recruiting class with players coming from Alaska, California, Idaho, and Oregon.
The signees include forward/midfielder Derik Chaney (Helena, Mt.), defender Daniel Fredrickson (Boise, Idaho), defender Tillerman Kroon (Wasilla, Alaska), goalkeeper Steven Mason (Santa Rosa, Calif.), midfielder/defender KJ Newbery (Pleasanton, Calif.), midfielder/defender Jake Paulson (Keizer, Ore.), and midfielder/defender Andrew Stenberg (Hood River, Ore.).
“This is an excellent group of soccer players that will improve our program immediately, and most likely have a great impact on the field this fall,” said Meehan. “I believe this group helps to address some areas that we clearly needed to shore up in order to be a more competitive team.”
Chaney attended Capital High School in Helena, Montana where he was co-captain, MVP and all-state. He played club soccer with Helena Arsenal, competing in the USYSA Far West Regional Tournament. Chaney’s older brother, Devin, will be a senior for the Warriors this fall.
“Derik has a relentless work ethic to match his athleticism. He has a great change of pace and the ability to get in the box and finish,” said Meehan.
Fredrickson attended Timberline High School in Boise, Idaho, where he was the captain and a Southern Idaho Conference 1st Team selection. Fredrickson plays club soccer for the Boise Nationals, winning IYSA state titles in 2007 and 2011.
“Daniel has all the tools to be among the top defenders in the conference. He is athletic, a leader, reads the game well, takes good care of the ball and is a very good one on one defender. I expect he will immediately contribute in a variety of ways,” said Meehan.
Kroon was team captain at Wasilla High School in Wasilla, Alaska, and earned All Northern Lights Conference honors. He went on to Southwestern Oregon Community College where he was captain and named to the NWAACC All-Southern Region team.
“Tillerman brings both leadership and experience to our back line,” said Meehan. “He has all the characteristics of a good defender and covers a lot of ground in the back.”
Mason was a 1st Team All-League selection to the North Bay League as a goalkeeper for Maria Carrillo High School in Santa Rosa, California. He played club soccer for Sonoma County Sol prior to wrapping up his club career with Santa Rosa United.
“I expect Steven to transition well to the college game, which is not an easy task for goalkeepers,” Meehan said. “Steven is courageous and deals very well with breakaways and is an excellent shot stopper. He communicates clearly with the defenders and does an excellent job of anticipating potential problems before they materialize.”
Newbery will transfer to Corban from California State University, Stanislaus with two years of NCAA Division II experience under his belt. Before arriving at CSUS, Newbery was a four-year varsity player at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California. He played club soccer for Ballistic United and was a member of the Cal North District 3 Olympic Development Program.
“KJ is another good athlete who plays with a lot of heart and passion,” said Meehan. “He can help us in a variety of positions. The level of play in California is significantly higher than most states, and his experience in the California Collegiate Athletic Association is invaluable.”
Paulson was a four year varsity player at nearby McNary High School in Keizer and was a two-time 2nd Team All-Central Valley Conference selection. Paulson’s club soccer experience includes eight years with the Cascade Football Club Helix, and he most recently played with the Westside Metros Remix who finished second in the Oregon Premier League State Cup.
“Jake will help us in several positions wide,” Meehan said. “He is technical, can play on both sides of the field and is composed in the final third when goal scoring opportunities arise.”
Stenberg is a 2011 graduate from Horizon Christian School in Hood River, Oregon. He was a 1st Team All-Columbia River Conference selection as a midfielder. Stenberg played club soccer with the Hood River Strikers.
“Andrew is another hard worker that leaves it all on the field. He will be able to help in a couple areas out wide,” said Meehan. “Andrew comes from a soccer family; his father Oscar was his high school coach which clearly has had a positive impact."
Corban is scheduled to open its 2011 schedule with a home match on Thursday, August 18th, against Trinity International University from Deerfield, Illinois beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Warrior Field.