Loretto, Pa. – Head men's soccer coach
Paulo Neto has strengthened his 2017 roster by adding seven accomplished players for the upcoming fall season.
"I'm very excited about this group both as quality soccer players and good students," said Neto. This is our second recruiting class at SFU and I believe it to be as good as our first one. Our last class was able to make an immediate impact, with some individuals claiming starting positions from the get-go. In this class, each player brings something special to our mix, and collectively, they are a good fit for what our program needs at this point. We are confident they will develop even more in the conducive environment we've built for SFU men's soccer, and will help us maintain the winning culture our program has earned over the years".
5-9 165 lbs Midfielder/Defender Lucas Rosa (Atibaia Brazil/COC Atibaia)
Rosa was the team captain for his club team, Atibaia/Ferroviaria. He is a technical player who can play as a right back or anywhere across the midfield.
Neto on Rosa - "Lucas is probably the most versatile player in this class, being able to perform four different roles in the middle and up top. He's got vast experience playing in the highest level of competition in Brazil, for clubs such as Ferroviaria and Atibaia. He's very technical and dynamic, and a specialist on set pieces. "
6-0 175 lbs. Forward/Midfielder Leonardo Ribeiro (Florence, Italy/Liceo Linguistico "G Pascoli")
A dynamic attacker who has experience playing in the top academies in Italy. Hee showcased for the Fiorentina U17 and Livorno U17 Academies, two of the premier clubs in Italy's Serie A.
Neto on Ribeiro - "Leonardo is a wide midfielder and forward who joins the program with a wealth of experience, having played for two Italian Serie A club youth academies (Fiorentina and Livorno). Leonardo is a fast and dynamic player who has the ability to beat players on the dribble, make the last pass, and score goals."
6-2 165 lbs. Defender Worthie McGuire (Richmond, Ky./Madison Central)
McGuire was a four-year letterwinner at Madison Central, helping the Indians win 51 games over his final three seasons. The center back helped Madison Central post 31 clean sheets over his final three seasons while scoring eight goals. He was an All-State Honorable Mention and All-District selection as a senior.
McGuire played club soccer for Lexington F.C., the top ranked team in the state of Kentucky.
Neto on McGuire - "Worthie is a solid center back who will immediately add depth to our roster. He can also play as a right back and stands out in 1x1 confrontations and aerial game. He will benefit from our extremely competitive training environment, which will elevate his game to the next level."
5-9 170 lbs. Defender Som Safavi (Bala Cynwyd, Pa./Lower Merion)
Safavi played academy for FC Continental in his first three years of high school before helping Lower Merion to an 18-3-4 record as a senior, tallying five assists from his right back position. He captained his club team, FC Europa, leading the club in goals and assists.
Neto on Safavi - "Som is another versatile player to join our roster this year. He can play as a full back and in the midfield and has experience in the USSDA system (Continental and Match Fit), which is the highest level of competition in the nation. Som has also experience playing futsal, which speaks volumes about his technical ability."
6-1 175 lbs. Forward Gabriel Castro (Belo Horizonte, Brazil/Lausanne Collegiate School)
Castro moved to Tennessee from Brazil and played two seasons at Lausanne Collegiate School where he was the District MVP in 2016 and a two-time all-district and all-state selection. He was named a finalist for the Player of the Year in 2017, helping his team to the top ranking in the state.
Neto on Castro - "Gabriel is a Brazilian striker who attended high school in Memphis, Tennessee (Lausanne HS), helping them to a state championship in his senior year. Prior to that, he played for one of the strongest futsal programs in Brazil (Minas Tennis). Gabriel is a strong left-footed center forward with the ability to play with his back to the goal as well as move around to find space. He's strong in the air and throughout his youth career demonstrated the ability to score goals."
6-4 175 lbs. Defender Eric Ganime (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil/Colegio Icaro)
Ganime was an NJCAA All-American at Iowa Western Community College, leading the Reivers to a 33-2-7 record in 42 games, while scoring four goals and adding five assists from his center back position. Additionally, Ganime earned All-Region First Team, All-Region Academic First Team and NSCAA All-East Team honors. He was named an Academic All-American in 2016.
Prior to his time in the United States, Ganime played four years for Clube de Regastas do Flamengo and two seasons at Fluminese in Brazil. He also spent time with Duque de Caxias Futebol Clube and Bangu Atletico Clube.
Neto on Ganime - "Eric is a transfer center back from Iowa Western Community College (NJCAA), with the height, speed, and distribution abilities to stand out in that position. At IWCC, he helped his team win two regional titles and qualify for consecutive national tournaments. Eric has an excellent soccer background, having played for some of the strongest youth soccer academies in Brazil, including Vasco da Gama. "
5-6 150 lbs. Forward Dominick Haley (Oxford, Pa./Cedar Cliff)
Haley was a four-year letterwinner for Cedar Cliff High School, finishing his career with 17 goals and 11 assists. He played club for Fusion FC '98 B Fire.
Neto on Haley - "Dom is a versatile attacking player who can be used in different capacities. He's comfortable on the ball and very explosive. He will certainly benefit from a very competitive training environment, which will take his game to a different level and help him to fulfill his potential."
The group of six joins the six newcomers who signed in February, bringing the class total to 12. To view the other six signings click on the link below:
http://sfuathletics.com/news/2017/2/3/mens-soccer-neto-adds-six-for-2017-season.aspx?path=msoc
