NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – First-year Niagara men’s soccer head coach Chase Brooks has announced nine new recruits for the upcoming 2011 season.  Matt Akindipe, Roberto Andersson, Michael Hanton, Kyle Moraldo, Joey Nowicki, Jacob Ohlin, Micah Paulino, Jack Welsh, and Callum Willmott are the nine Purple Eagles that have signed national letters of intent to play this fall.

“We have locked in a nine-member class for 2011,” Brooks said.  “I feel fortunate that despite being late in the process, we were able to attract some quality players.”

Matt Akindipe / 5-8 / 165 / M/F / Twinsburg, Ohio / Leg A-Z soccer club / Ambassadors F.C.

Akindipe brings leadership experience along with the desire to improve everyday to Niagara.  He was named team MVP as a sophomore in 2008 and as a junior the following year when he led the team in goals.  From 2007-09, Akindipe made the Florida Olympic Development Program (ODP) State Team, and during 2009 led Cornerstone High School in assists.     

“Matt Akindipe is a player that will add versatility to our lineup,” Brooks said. “Matt is a quick attack minded player that can play up top, or anywhere in the midfield.”

Michael Hanton / 6-2 / 190 / CB / Barrie, ON. / St. Peter’s Secondary / Winstars Soccer Academy

Hanton is another player that brings valuable experience to Niagara.  He has spent time playing for his club team, Winstars Soccer Academy, along with participating in several soccer showcases in the past couple years.  In 2008 he took part in the University of Michigan Showcase, followed by participating in the Indiana IPFW Showcase, Indiana Crossroads Showcase, Score @ the Road Showcase, and Rated Sports College Showcase in 2009.  Hanton also brings valuable winning experience to Monteagle Ridge as he was part of the team that won the 2007 West Niagara Invitational, and the 2007 CSL League.  He was also awarded his high schools Outstanding Student Award, and graduated with honours. 

“Michael Hanton is a defender that should push for time right away,” Brooks said.  “He is savvy on the ball and tough in the air.”

Kyle Moraldo / 5-8 / 160 / M/D / Winnipeg, MB / Shattack St. Mary’s / Shattack St. Mary’s

Moraldo brings versatility to Monteagle Ridge as he can play multiple positions effectively.   He played for Shattack St. Mary’s and was named the teams MVP his senior year.  Moraldo set a career high in goals (4) and assists (5) during his sophomore season in 2009.  He was also team captain for Team Manitoba. 

“Kyle Moraldo is a versatile player that has the ability to make an impact right away at multiple positions,” Brooks said.  “He is athletic and technically sound.”

Joey Nowicki / 5-9 / 155 / M / Darlington School / Darlington Soccer Academy

Nowicki brings a hard working mentality to Niagara University.  He won the Section III Scholar Athlete for Soccer and Tennis from 2007-2010, and won the coaches award after the 2010-11 season.  Nowicki will also be involved in the local community around Niagara as he was part of Rome Free Academy’s student government and volunteered at his local Boys and Girls Club.  

“Joey Nowicki is a winger that has a great engine,” Brooks said.  “He will push others around him.”

Micah Paulino / 5-10 / 160 / M/D / Father Duenas Memorial High School 

Paulino brings a wealth of experience to Niagara.  He was a member and captain of the Guam National Football Associations (GFA) U-19 Soccer Team and is now a member if Guam’s Men’s National Team.  Micah has played tournaments throughout Asia competing against teams from China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Mongolia and others.  He was also named the MVP of his high school soccer championship game, named to the All Island Team as a junior and senior, and was named second Team All Island as a sophomore.  He was also inducted into the National Honor Society in 2008.

“Micah Paulino is a midfielder that brings in vision, technical ability and a tremendous work rate,” Brooks said. “Micah has been asked to represent his full National Team and we are looking forward to benefiting from his experience.”

Jack Welsh / 6-2 / F/M/D/ Rochester Adams / Waza FC / Michigan Jaguars MRL

Welsh and his high school Rochester Adams in Rochester Hills, Mich. won the District 1 Boys Championship this past fall and were regional semifinalists. Welsh, who has played at forward, midfield and on the backline, helped lead his club side Waza FC  East to the Michigan Premier Championship in 2009 and placed fourth in the national tournament.

“Jack Welsh is a versatile, hard working athlete,” Brooks said. “He should push for time in multiple positions.”

Callum Willmott / 6-6 / F / Iver, England / Burnham Grammar School / Maidenhead United

Willmott will bring a threat up front as this forward from London was Burnham Grammar Schools top scorer in 2010 and 2011.  He was also part of the team that finished runner-up at the 2011 County Cup.

“Callum Willmott is a forward whose height will be an asset up top,” Brooks said.  “He will provide good minutes this coming season.”

Sweden natives Andersson and Ohlin round out the recruiting class for the first-year coach.