University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Mennell Brings in 11 to Bolster Men's Soccer Roster
06.15.2015 | Men's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – First-year Head Men's Soccer Coach Mathes Mennell has announced his initial class, which will welcome experience and depth for his opening at UNC Asheville.
Asheville welcomes in five transfers, two of which joined the program in early 2015, and six incoming freshmen signees. The state of North Carolina is well represented, with eight of the 11 newcomers hailing from within the state. In addition to North Carolina, the states of California, Florida and Wisconsin represent the remaining newcomers.
“We had a couple of facets that this class had to have. We had to replace a good group of players that left due to graduation, while it was also apparent that the roster needed some quality added to it. On the whole, I think that we have met both of these goals with this class,” stated head coach Mathes Mennell. “Between the transfers that we are bringing in and the true freshmen, we are going to be an exciting new look Bulldog soccer team in the fall.”
Coming into the program late in the recruiting process, Mennell is thankful for the work of the holdovers from the previous staff. “When you consider this being my first class and not started here until February 1st, I think the quality of this class is a great testament to the work that my staff, Jeremy Jordan and Mick Giordano, have put in. They did a really good job of not only identifying players, but making the recruiting process seamless. Their efforts have made it really easy to hit the ground running."
Mennell continued, "Overall, I am really happy with what I think is an excellent class to begin my tenure here at UNC Asheville.”
TRANSFERS:
Chuka Anyafo – Forward | 6'0, 185
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Previous School: Lafayette College
Mennell's thoughts: “Chuka is a player that has a chance to score a lot of goals for us. He scored a couple of goals in our spring games and we'll continue to help him work to match fitness so that we can fully integrate him with the rest of our group.”
Zack Compton – Forward | 6'1, 175
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
Previous School: University of Buffalo
Mennell's thoughts: “Zack Compton is nice pick up for our program. He was an all-state player from down the road in Cary, N.C. He has a nice frame to him and he has a really good chance of becoming our target forward.”
Ryan Enriquez – Defender | 5'10, 150
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Previous School: UNC Charlotte
Mennell's thoughts: “Ryan Enriquez is a very athletic outside back from Florida, transferring from UNC Charlotte a program with a pedigree that we aspire to. I think that him coming here will add depth to what is a pretty solid back four and is a player that could challenge for playing time right from the get go.”
Chris Katt – Goalkeeper | 6'5, 195
Hometown: Waynesville, N.C.
Previous School: Georgia Southern University
Mennell's thoughts: “Chris announced his presence right away and by the end of the spring was our No. 1 goalkeeper. Hopefully he'll continue that good run of form when he comes in for preseason.”
Tyler Moore – Goalkeeper | 6'2, 185
Hometown: Brookfield, Wisc.
Previous School: Drake University
Mennell's thoughts: “I think that Tyler, coming from Drake, is immediately going to challenge Katt and Zak Davis for the starting goalkeeping position. He is a good player who will add quality depth.”
SIGNEES:
Lawain Howell – Forward | 6'2, 180
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
High School: C.E. Jordan
Club: CASL Railhawks U-18 Academy
Mennell's thoughts: “Lawain Howell is an athletic forward who can also play out wide. He has game changing pace and has the potential to be one of the most dynamic attacking players in the Big South. We are excited to work with him in his development and see how fast we can work him into our first 11.”
Joe LaCasto – Midfielder | 5'11, 160
Hometown: Anaheim, Calif.
High School: Servite
Club: Fullerton Rangers
Mennell's thoughts: “Joe's coming all the way from Anaheim, Calif., where he played for a very good club team and a very good high school team. I think that he will be able to add some flare to the attacking part of our midfield. He will add a little bit of a different look for us, but he is a player that we are excited about getting on campus and seeing what he can do.”
Brandon Millington – Defender | 6'1, 170
Hometown: Apex, N.C.
High School: Middle Creek
Club: CASL Railhawks U-18 Academy
Mennell's thoughts: “He has the potential to be a big time player here and I fully expect for him to become one of the best center backs in the Big South by the time he graduates.”
Brendan O'Dowd – Midfielder | 6'0, 160
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
High School: Panther Creek
Club: CASL Railhawks U-18 Academy
Mennell's thoughts: “Brendan O'Dowd, also from the Railhawks, is a box-to-box midfielder who is good in the tackle. He is probably most comfortable in a holding midfielder role. He is good in possession and is simple and clean while being technically sound. I think that he will instantly integrate into what is a good midfield core.”
Gio Solis – Goalkeeper | 6'0, 185
Hometown: Cleveland, N.C.
High School: Cleveland
Club: CASL Railhawks U-18 Academy
Mennell's thoughts: “Gio is a goalkeeper for our future. He is a player that has a chance to be really good. He'll have some time to adjust to the pace and the physicality of the college game, but Gio is someone I think that we'll be very excited about being here.”
Jake Wallin – Defender | 6'1, 170
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
High School: Green Hope
Club: Triangle United
Mennell's thoughts: “Jake Wallin is a player who I think has slipped under the radar a bit. He is a physically strong left footed player who is versatile enough to play multiple positions. He has a chance to make an impact on the back four right away.”
