EUGENE, Ore. – Coming off a second-consecutive .500 season and a first ever trip to the post-season, the NCU men’s soccer team has announced the addition of five men to the roster for 2018.
With one freshman and four transfers, the incoming group is expected to make an immediate impact on the team.
The lone rookie on the team will be Esgar Avila (Hermiston). Avila was an all-conference defender at Hermiston High and was part of a backline that produced 13 shutouts over his final two seasons. Fourth-year Head Coach Benny Flores said, “Esgar is going to be a great addition, bringing size and speed to our defense. He comes in with a great GPA and is motivated to be a true student-athlete.”
Among the transfers will be a pair of players from Lane Community College along with two international students.
Ethan Ferguson (Sheldon HS) is the lone true Eugene product to come in after two seasons at Lane. “Ethan is a player we have been recruiting since he was at Sheldon,” said Coach Flores. “He is one of those players that just knows what to do. He has a tremendous mind for the game and will bring depth to our midfield. He has great heart and determination and has worked his way back from a devastating knee injury his senior year.”
Also coming from Lane CC is Illinois product Jovany Sanchez. Coach Flores said, “Jovany is going to give us depth with his ability to play up front and in the midfield. He is fast and works hard and every team needs those guys that will just out-work other people.”
Luis Diaz transfers in after coming to the states from Spain to play one season at Northwest College in Wyoming. “Luis is going to be a big boost to our offense,” said Flores. “His is the typical Spanish player with creativity and great vision. I am really excited for his future with the Beacons.”
Coming from Brazil will be Nicolas “Nico” Schapochnik, who began his college career with one season at Utah State-Eastern. “Nico will also bolster our offense right away,” said Coach Flores. “At six-feet, four-inches, he has a great combination of speed and size, along with that Brazilian flair.”
The men’s soccer team will get their season underway with an exhibition at Oregon State on August 17th. The come home the following day for the annual alumni game and will begin the season in earnest on August 24-25 with a trip to Ashland for a pair of neutral-site games against Menlo College and The Master’s College from California.