The University of Saskatchewan men's soccer program is pleased to announce 10 additions to the 2017-18 Huskies' roster.
The recruitment class to the Huskies includes Zach Edwards, Kwami Opoku, Joseph Powell, Patrick Pranger, Ekior-Dourde Mieyefa, Diego Godoy, Jordan Verones, Aidan Taylor and U SPORTS transfers Tobias Hyrich-Krueger and Joshua Dielman.
"This year's recruiting class could be the deepest and most diverse groups in program history," said now full-time head coach Bryce Chapman. "Players are joining us from as far away as Austria, Coquitlam, Calgary and Winnipeg and with that we are very excited with the quality, academic goals and character of all these players."
The Huskies opened fall training camp Tuesday and open the Canada West season on August 26th at 2 p.m. on Field 7 in PotashCorp Park against the Lethbridge Pronghorns.
2017 RECRUITING CLASS
Zach Edwards, Centre Back
City: Saskatoon
High school: Centennial Collegiate
Previous Club: Saskatchewan Whitecaps Academy
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2015 Western Canada Summer Games Team Sask soccer
- 2012 and 2016 Club Nationals
- 2013-2016 Whitecaps Showcase, All-star at 2015 Showcase
- 2014-2016 Centennial Collegiate Male Soccer MVP
- 2013 Centennial Collegiate Male Soccer Rookie of the Year
Player Comments:
I chose the Huskies because of the familiarity with the program. Having played for Bryce for so many years makes the transition into university soccer that much easier. The opportunity to play at home in front of friends and family was also a great opportunity. I hope to continue to add to the great success this program has had in the past and look forward for what's to come.
Coach Comments:
Zach is another product of Whitecaps Saskatchewan Academy that will play a significant role in our university program. He is athletic, his compete level is always at its highest and he is a proven winner!
Kwame Opoku, Winger
City: Calgary
High School: American School of Paris
Previous Club: Calgary Foothills FC U23 (PDL)
Notable Accomplishments:
- American School of Paris (ASP) Varsity Soccer Team
- Captained ASP Soccer team both in my Junior (2013) and Senior (2014) years and took the team to ISST (International Schools Sports Tournament)
- Selected for ISSTs "All-Star" Team of the tournament (2014)
- FC Rueil-Malmasion, Paris, France
- Striker for U17 (2013) & U19 (2014), Division 1 Soccer Club in Paris. Was often called to play-up for Senior Team Play
- Calgary Foothills Soccer Club, Canada
- Playing for Foothills, I was selected for the Provincial Soccer Team of Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) for U14 & U16
- Selected for the Canadian National Training Center (NTC) from U13 to U16
- Captained Foothills 97s and took the team to win the Alberta Provincial Club Champions, and also came 3rd in Canadian National Club Soccer Championships U16 in 2013
- Won the Alberta Provincial Club Champions, and also came 2nd in Canadian National Club Soccer Championships U18 in 2015
- Selected to play for Calgary Foothill U23 PDL in 2017
Player Comments:
I made my decision to play for the Huskies due to the fact that education and sports are put on the same level. The boys on the team treat one another like brothers and no one is left out. From the 2 months I trained with the team and Coach Bryce, everyone treated me as part of the team and helped me to improve or see things in a different way. All of this made the decision for me to play with the men's soccer team an easy one.
Coach Comments:
Kwame brings experience and a great quality in his game. He will provide leadership immediately which will be key with a young group.
Joseph Powell, Centre Midfield
City: Coquitlam, B.C.
Highschool: Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School
Previous Clubs: Coquitlam Metro Ford Soccer Club
Notable Achievements:
- High school leading goal scorer
- 2015-2017 Whitecaps Showcase
- 2015-1017 Winning numerous championship with club and school
Players Comments:
I chose to come to the University of Saskatchewan because of the strong legacy it holds within my family. With both my parents attending the U of S as well as my older brother, the U of S is a home away from home. What really drew me to Saskatchewan was that my older brother attends and plays soccer there. With the type of relationship we have it was almost a given we end up together, at the same school and playing on the same team.
Coach's Comments:
Joseph will bring a level of skill that will influence his teammates and impact the game immediately
Ekior-Dourde Mieyefa, Midfield
City: Delta State, Nigeria
High School: Lumen Christi International School
Previous Clubs: Lumen Stars Varsity Football
Player Comments:
Soccer has been a passion of mine since my childhood days of kicking a ball around on the dirt roads. The setting is different now, but the feeling I always get remains the same - an inexplicable sense of exhilaration and achievement. The Huskies men's soccer team is unique because the people on this team are more than just players I train and play with; they feel like family. They propel me, push me to do better, and be better both on and off the field. My coach and teammates encourage me to carry the focus and energy I have on the field and translate it into success in my academics. I play for myself, but I also play for my team. I play because when I step out onto the field, I feel part of something bigger than myself.
Diego Godoy, Striker
City: Saskatoon
High School: Holy Cross
Previous Clubs: Whitecaps FC Saskatchewan Academy
Notable Achievements:
- 2015-16 Club Nationals
- 2015-16 Whitecaps Showcase
PlayerComments:
I chose this program due to its success in the past, the teams competitive nature and the coaches effort to continually grow and improve the players both as individuals and as a team.
Coach Comments:
Diego comes to us from Whitecaps Saskatchewan Academy, a proven goal scorer. We look forward to seeing Diego find the net at the next level.
Jordan Verones, Fullback
City: Coquitlam, B.C.
High school: Dr. Charles Best Secondary School
Previous Clubs: Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club
Notable Achievements:
- High School Provincial Champions 2015
- BC Provincial Team Player 2013
- Referee for BC Soccer
Player Comments:
I have chosen to attend to University of Saskatchewan because of the great community and solid academics. I have chosen to play for the men's soccer team because I see a good future for the team. I also admire the very respectable and hardworking players alongside the experienced coaches which will lead both the entire team and myself to success.
Coach Comments:
Jordan is another product of B.C., he brings versatility that will allow him to play in a variety of defensive positions in our back line.
Tobias Hyrich-Krueger, Winger
City: Winnipeg
High School: Glenlawn Collegiate
Previous Clubs: WSA Winnipeg
Notable Accomplishments:
- National Development Training Centre 2012 to 2015
- Daily training with certified National Level coaches and U16, U17 and U18 players
- ]Pacific Challenge-Vancouver
- Summer 2014- Manitoba Provincial team Selected for player of distinction game
- Prairie Invitational Tournament- Summer 2012 Selected for All Star team
- U16 Nationals – Member of Sasktoba team Summer 2013
- WSA Winnipeg- Men's PDL League
Player Comments:
What drew me to the University of Saskatchewan huskies program was the set up and overall professionalism that has brought so much success, as well as a team that has a goal of making the playoffs every year.
Coach Comments:
Tobias is a transfer from Winnipeg that brings a very attack mind approach, he has great speed which will put defenders on their back foot.
Patrick Pranger (International Exchange), Keeper
City: St. Anna am Aigen, Austria
High School: Francisco Josephinum Wiselburg
Previous Club: USV Oed/Zellern
Player Comments:
I love to play soccer. I want to be part of the amazing university soccer team. Playing soccer, getting involved in awesome experiences and meeting new people will be a great thing for me and my future.
Aidan Taylor, Full Back
City: Kenora, Manitoba
High School: St Thomas Aquinas High School
Previous Club: Hellas SC
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2015 Western Canada Games- Bronze Medal
- 2014/2016 NWOSSAA Champions
- 2015 NSC Cup Champions
Player Comments:
I've chosen the University of Saskatchewan because I enjoy the city of Saskatoon and I admire the campus in terms of architecture. I feel I will be getting very good education in the Arts & Science program and will have a great experience with my teammates/friends. I like the fact that the soccer program is all about unity and humility, which will be key factors in the team's success. I'm look forward to my time with the Huskies.
Coach Comments:
Aidan will be a great addition to our defensive group. He is athletic and comfortable on the ball.
Joshua Dielman, Keeper
City: Winnipeg
Previous School: Winnipeg Wesmen
Previous Clubs: WSA Winnipeg Wolfpack (PDL)
Player Comments:
My choice of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men's soccer team is based on my intense desire to win not only in each individual game but to win a national championship. I believe that I will be a strong asset for team and through hard work, dedication, and teamwork we will have what it takes. From my experience of playing for Wesmen and WSA Winnipeg Wolfpack (PDL) I believe this Huskie's team under the guidance of Bryce Chapman has what it takes to win a National Championship and be a driving force in Canada West.