2011 Men's Soccer

Head coach Jason Elliott recently announced his signing class for 2009, which includes 11 players from four states and three foreign countries.

"I think our men have added some pieces to take another step this season," he said.  "Last season, we had a good year as we finished 9-7-1 but we had many missed opportunities. Philipp Baier will help us in the midfield as will Guilherme Dorigo. This adds much depth to our midfield which we are happy about. Our goalkeeper position is solid with so many that can play. We look for big things out of this class."

MIDFIELDERS
Brandon Foresha comes to FHU from Ripley, W.V. where he scored 70 career goals while playing for Ripley HS.  His offensive prowess earned him first-team all-conference and first-team all county honors in 2006-2008, and he was also name second team all-state in 2007.  During his four years at Ripley HS, he earned a total of 18 letters in five sports.

"Brandon is a solid player that will help our team for four years," said Elliott.  "He has good skill on the ball and knowledge of the game.  He has played at a very high level and will add depth to our team in the midfield.  We are happy to have him coming."

Jack McGee, a midfielder from Tupelo, Miss., prepped at Tupelo HS where he scored eight goals and added four assists as a senior.  He plans to major in pre-engineering at Freed-Hardeman.

"Jack is an attacking player who can play in the midfield or up top," Elliott said.  "He has the ability to finish and is a good crosser."

Elliott also will add a trio of international players to his midfield, starting with Guilherme Dorigo from Londrina, Brazil.

"Guilherme is extremely skilled and good on either side in the midfield or up top," said Elliott.  "He is particularly talented on the left side and good at taking people on one-on-one."

Phillip Baier adds size in the midfield with his 6-foot-2 frame.  He comes from Heidelburg, Germany, where he played for Carl-Bosh HS.

"Phillip is a wonderful addition to our Lions program," Elliott said. "We look for him to step in right away in the midfield for us. He is a ball winner in the middle and will probably play a holding role for us."

Kenniel Hyde, a highly-decorated recruit from Kingston, Jamaica, rounds out the new midfielders.  He played club ball for Meadheaven FC and helped lead them to a first place finish in the KASAFA U20 league in 2008 and 2009.  He played for the Jamaican National Team in 2006 and was selected to again represent the country on its U20 team in 2009.

"Kenniel is someone who can be a difference maker for us this fall," said Elliott. "He has experience playing for his national team at some of the biggest tournaments. His experience and knowledge of the game will make an impact in our program from day one."

FORWARDS
William Stevens joins the team from Hendersonville, Tenn., where he played for Hendersonville HS and helped lead his team to a TSSAA Class AAA state championship in 2010 as well as a runner-up finish in 2007 and quarterfinal appearances in 2008 and 2009.

"William played on a quality team at Hendersonville that is used to winning," Elliott said. "He has a great attacking mind and has a great work rate."

Kyle Wells prepped at Coventry Christian in Reading, Pa., scoring 50 goals in his high school career while adding 23 assists.  He was a first-team all-conference selection in 2008 and 2009 and was one of only two private school athletes honored as all-county.

"The thing that you notice about Kyle right away is that he had great touch on the ball and knowledge of the game," said Elliott.  "He came to our summer camp and showed great potential to be successful in college. I think he will really add a lot to our program."

DEFENDERS
Jordan Gulley comes to FHU from Tullahoma, Tenn., where he prepped at Franklin Co. HS.  At 6-foot-3, Elliott expects his size to help defensively, especially when it comes to winning headers.

"Jordan comes to us from Franklin County where he is used to playing at a high level," Elliott said. "He has a good defensive mind and will contribute right way in the back. He has good size and is great in the air which will help our team."

Also joining the Lions' defensive unit is Klyne Fawcett, a native of Bolivar, Tenn., who played at Jackson Christian.  While at JCS, he was named all-district and Best of the West.

"We are very pleased that Klyne will be joining us this fall," said Elliott. "He can play in the midfield or in the back and has a great understanding of how to position himself defensively. His work rate is excellent."

GOALKEEPER
Brandon Stamey is one of two new goalkeepers that will be on the roster, coming to FHU from Joelton, Tenn.  He played for both the Middle Tennessee Fire and the Synergy Cobras and plans for major in Bible.

"Brandon is a great addition to our program," Elliott said. "He has good instincts in goal and knows how to position himself to make the saves."

Rounding out the class is Hunter Yoches of Chuluota, Fla.  Yoches prepped at Hagerty HS where he was the team MVP as a senior as well as a team captain and was named the team's defensive player of the year as a junior.

"Hunter is someone that we really wanted from day one," said Elliott. "He is a quality keeper that will compete for minutes right away. He is quick off his feet and has good hands. We look for him to do some good things over the next four years."