Southern Vermont College Head Men's Soccer Coach Tim Penrod is pleased to announce his incoming class for the 2011 soccer season.  The initial class includes 2 transfer student-athletes and 10 incoming freshmen from six states across the country.  The 2010 team made it to the New England Collegiate Conference Championship match before falling to Daniel Webster College.   

SVC's incoming class looks to bolster a strong core of returning players and make the next step to the NCAA Tournament this fall. "I'm very excited about this group:  it's easily the most consistent group in terms of ability level that we've had in our four classes so far.  Every one of these kids should expect to see impact minutes this coming season.  They know what we've come to expect from our program, and every one of these young men will help us take the steps necessary to achieve our goals this fall and in the years to come.""

Pierre Massena (Wayne, NJ/William Patterson) is the first of two transfer students joining the Mountaineers in the fall.  After spending one season at Centenary College in NJ, Massena spent last year at William Patterson College.  According to Penrod, "Pierre brings a great mix of true athleticism and tactical understanding to our program.  He fits in great with our returning core of players, and should play a large role in helping us have a more balanced attack.  I consider him a natural striker, but he can also fill in to the midfield for us as necessary.""

Also transferring to SVC will be central midfielder Ignacio Cervantes (Pico Rivera, CA/Pasadena City College).  A former standout player at El Rancho High school, the Pico Rivera native will come in to help solidify and add depth to the Mountaineer midfield.  "Ignacio is a very diverse player who likes to play in the middle of the field, but also possesses the speed and understanding to play on the wings if we need him to,""says Penrod. 

With the graduation of All-Conference goalkeeper Aaron Eschler, the Mountaineers brought in a great deal of talent at the goalkeeping position.  Three true freshmen will be joining the program:  Brendan Shea (Providence, RI/North Providence), Connor Anniello (Scotland, CT/Windham Tech), and Kevin Bogucki (Milford, CT/The Marvelwood School).  "I am delighted with the commitment of these three young men" said Penrod. "They are all great fits for our program, and I believe on any given day any one of them can start in goal for us.  I really believe they will compete throughout the season, and the high level of play we have come to expect from our goalkeepers will continue.  Each of these guys brings a different style of play to the position, which will play to our advantage.  I can rotate keepers to keep them fresh and motivated, and also play to their strengths to help them find success early on in their careers.""

Defensively, four freshmen will join the Mountaineers.  Chris "CJ" Salve (Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute), Eric Parmalee (Seymour, CT/Seymour), Sean Wright (Hope, NJ/Belvidere), and Joseph Pepe (Harrison, NY/Harrison) will add depth to a defensive core that allowed 1.87 goals per game last season.  "This is probably the most athletic group of defenders we have brought in since I've been here.  What I like the best about each one of these kids is that they can do more than play defense:  CJ played striker for his high school his entire senior year; Eric can push up in to the center of our midfield; and Sean and Joe can both give us extra options on the outside. We're looking to have our defenders player a greater role in our attack next year, and these guys will definitely help with that."The depth they bring to our team will also allow me to play some of our returning players in more forward positions."

Looking to do a better job of controlling the midfield next year, Penrod brought in more out-of-state talent. Penrod described his incoming mid-fielders by saying, "Most of last year we relied on our defenders and forwards to carry us through the season.  We all want to play a more attractive brand of soccer, and this group will help us do that.  We'll be adjusting where some of our returning guys play, so our midfield will have a brand new look."  Joining Cervantes in the midfield will be freshman Tommy Youngblood (Leonardtown, MD/Leonardtown).  "Tommy played for a good high school and a very strong club in Freestate (MD).  He is someone who will join us and make an immediate impact.  He has very high expectations for himself, and I see him becoming one of the top players in our conference."  Rounding out the incoming midfield corps will be Erik Argueta (Pico Rivera, CA/El Rancho).  "Erik is a great addition to our program.  He played on the same state tournament team as Tony [Conde], and played with Ignacio [Cervantes] the year prior.  Having three players, including two in the midfield, that are very familiar with each other will be a huge advantage.""

As additional commitments come in, updated releases will be sent out.

The Mountaineer's season kicks off on September 1 at Green Mountain College.  Their home opener is Saturday, September 3 against Bard College at 1 PM. 

Incoming Class (Hometown/High School/Major) in Alphabetical Order:

Connor Anniello (Scotland, CT/Windham Tech/Criminal Justice)

Erik Argueta (Pico Rivera, CA/El Rancho/Business)

Kevin Bogucki (Milford, CT/The Marvelwood School/Business)

Ignacio Cervantes (Pico Rivera, CA/Pasadena City College/Liberal Arts)

Pierre Massena (Wayne, NJ/William Patterson College/Business)

Eric Parmalee (Seymour, CT/Seymour/Criminal Justice)

Joe Pepe (Harrison, NY/Harrison/Criminal Justice)

Chris Salva (Fairport, NY/Aquinas Institute/Nursing)

Brendan Shea (Providence, RI/North Providence/Criminal Justice)

Sean Wright (Hope, NJ/Belvidere/Criminal Justice)

Tommy Youngblood (Leonardtown, MD/Leonardtown/Criminal Justice)