LORETTO, Pa. (Feb. 13, 2012) – Saint Francis University head men's soccer coach
Michael Casper recently announced a four-member class set to join the squad in the fall.
“We are very excited about this group of student-athletes and think that these young men are the beginning to what will be a very talented class for us,” Casper said. “Having the chance to get to know them all at camp and to see that they are not only the right fit for us on the field but quality individuals as well, makes this group all the more special. I am excited about all of them and can't wait for them to get here in August.”
The four recruits becoming members of the Red Flash men's soccer team, represent three different states and four different positions. The 2012 SFU recruiting class begins with: forward Wallis Debourou (Brooklyn, N.Y.), goalkeeper Andrew Garcia (Sicklerville, N.J.), defender Jack Webber (Bernville, Pa.) and midfielder and forward Eric Colon (Grand Island, N.Y.).
Name – Position – Height – Weight – Hometown/High School – Club
Wallis Debourou – F – 5-11 – 160 – Brooklyn, N.Y./Blair Academy - Players Development Academy
In his most recent playing experience, the 5-11 forward has seen time at the Players Development Academy in New Jersey. Prior to that, Debourou spent time with the U18 New York Red Bulls academy team. From 2009-11, he competed for Blair Academy and was twice selected for the MAPL league all-star team. During the 2010 season, he tallied 17 goals and three assists in a total of 16 matches. Additionally in 2010, Debourou was an active member of the U-18 Benin National Team.
“Wallis is a goal scorer in every sense of the word,” Casper said. “He is relentless going forward, has terrific pace, good feet and a great nose for the goal. Wallis is hungry to score goals and I love the desire and passion he plays with.”
Wallis intends to major in International Business/Religion and Marketing with a minor in Sports Management and is the son of Djibril and Abibatou Debourou.
Andrew Garcia – GK – 6-1 – 160 – Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Regional – Highland Fever
Coming in as a goalkeeper, Garcia holds the single season record at Timber Creek Regional for most shutouts in a season with 11 in 2011. For his high school career, he tied the school record with 25 career shutouts. The 6-1 keeper posted 19 wins in back-to-back seasons with the Chargers, which earned him two-time All-State, All-South Jersey and All-Conference honors.
“Andrew has all the makings of a top class goalkeeper,” Casper said. “He is exceptionally athletic, kicks very well, dominates in the air and can make that special save. Andrew makes difficult things look routine and I think he has the potential to be an All-Conference goalkeeper for us. I am excited to get him here with our already strong core of goalkeepers to see if we can develop his game even further.”
The son of Jose and Priscilla Garcia, he plans to major in Engineering.
Jack Webber – D – 6-1 – 170 – Bernville, Pa./ Tulpehocken – Reading Rage
This 6-1 defender notched seven goals and an assist during his senior year at Tulpehocken, helping lead his team to a 25-3 overall record and a Berks County championship. Additionally, Webber and the Trojans were PIAA AA finalists in the fall of 2011. He earned All-Berks County defender honors for play in his final year at Tulpehocken. Outside of high school play, Webber and his Reading Rage club team competed for the Super 'Y' national championship.
“Jack is a big, strong defender that can play any spot along the back four,” Casper said. “He is fast, has very good feet and a sense of calmness about him that is contagious to those he plays with. I love Jack's attitude, he works hard, is no-nonsense when it comes to his defending and takes pride in helping his team earn shutouts. Jack will fit in very well here.”
A future Physical Therapy major, he is the son of Jim Webber and Karen Dirkse.
Eric Colon – M/F – 5-5 – 125 – (Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island) – Empire United Academy
As a team captain in both his junior and senior seasons at Grand Island, Colon earned Niagara Frontier League second team honors two-years running. In his high school varsity soccer career, the native of Grand Island, N.Y. recorded 13 goals and 13 assists. His presence as a midfielder and forward helped lead his team to the Section 6 quarterfinals in the fall of 2011. Colon's club teams include Cleveland Internationals Academy and Empire United Academy. He is a two-sport athlete in soccer and swimming.
“Eric is a very technical and athletic player,” Casper said. “He gets forward very well and his timing out of the back or the midfield is exceptional. Eric is very versatile and unselfish and I love his team first attitude and what he will bring to our team.”
The son of Gary Colon and Yolanda Gonzalez-Colon, he plans to major in Physical Therapy.
Saint Francis University Men's Soccer Class of 2012
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School
Wallis Debourou F 5-11 160 Brooklyn, N.Y./Blair Academy
Andrew Garcia GK 6-1 160 Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Regional
Jack Webber D 6-1 170 Bernville, Pa./ Tulpehocken
Eric Colon M/F 5-5 125 Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island
