If the Loyola College men?s soccer team finds success behind its latest recruiting class, coach Mark Mettrick can thank his friends at the Baltimore Bays Soccer Club.
Mettrick landed six recruits in his most recent class, including three from Baltimore’s talented development club. Michael Deasel (Loyola Blakefield), Vincent Savarese (Archbishop Curley) and Kyle Wittman (Calvert Hall) will suit up for the Greyhounds in 2007. Joining the local trio will be forward Phil Bannister (Monkseaton High/England), forward Treyton Good (Pequea High, Pa.) and defender Glenn Leitch (Bishop Shanahan High, Pa.).
“This is an important class and one that should have a significant impact over the next four years,” Mettrick said. “I’m pleased with the mentality of this group and especially the blue-collar, no-nonsense aspect of these players. I am also pleased with the addition of three local players that I expect to not only bring Loyola to the table, but Baltimore, too.”
Loyola, which finished the 2006 season 7-11-1, adds winning experience in each of their recruits ? namely Savarese, who helped Curley to the 2006 Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association title.
“Savarese has a very good personality and great leadership potential,” Mettrick said. “He is another player that has won at both the club and high school levels.”
The Greyhounds also must replace the team’s top-scorer from last season, Omar Alfonso, after a 19-point senior campaign. Deasel brings plenty of experience after pacing Loyola Blakefield from his center-midfield post.
“We expect him to bring a competitive mentality to college,” Mettrick said.
Wittman could compete for playing time at goalkeeper after the departure 2006 senior starter Justin Chelland.
“He has a competitive nature and a bit of a bite, which I like,” Mettrick said of the Calvert Hall talent, who is also on the Maryland Olympic Development squad.
Mettrick said the adjustment to the college game will be key for his incoming talent, but he does expect his freshmen to make their mark.
“We will have a young side next year, and so we will need the incoming freshmen to contribute,” Mettrick said. “I believe this is a good class, and they know that there is a very good opportunity for them to play immediately.”
