Bowling Green State University Athletics
Eric Nichols and the Falcons have announced the 2012 signing class (photo by BGSU Athletic Communications)
Nichols, Falcons Announce 2012 Men's Soccer Recruiting Class
February 06, 2012 | Men's Soccer
Bowling Green State University men's soccer coach Eric Nichols and his staff have announced the addition of 10 student-athletes to the program. Eight of those 10 – Max Auden (Naperville, Ill./North), Tyler Gay (New Cumberland, Pa./Red Land), Jake Genrich (Plymouth, Mich./Salem), Ryan James (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada/Loyola Catholic Secondary), Nick Landsberger (Arlington Heights, Ill./Buffalo Grove), Danny Shea (Naperville, Ill./Metea Valley), Jacob Shelt (Lakewood, Ohio/Lakewood) and Mike Thomas (Canfield, Ohio/Canfield) – will join the Falcons this fall.
Two additional players, Anthony Grant and Vlad Lekarev, join the program after transferring from other institutions. Grant, who comes from McKendree University, and Lekarev, a transfer from Butler University, are enrolled at BGSU for the spring 2012 semester.
LINK: NLI Signees Photo Gallery
Auden, a midfielder, is a senior at Naperville North H.S. A two-time All-DuPage Valley Conference selection, he helped the team to three consecutive league crowns from 2009-11, as the team went 58-8-6 in that time. North also won regional titles in each of those three years, and advanced to the state semifinals in 2010. Auden also earned all-sectional honors, and was a three-time academic all-league choice. He has made the Honor Roll in seven consecutive semesters. Auden has played his club ball for the Galaxy Soccer Club, serving as a three-year captain and helping the team to a semifinal berth in the State Cup.
“Max is a technical, hard-working player with the versatility to have an impact on the field from a number of positions,” said Nichols.
Gay, a midfielder, is in his senior year at Red Land H.S. A team captain and team MVP in each of his last two seasons, ha was a first-team Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division all-star and a Patriot-News Big 11 selection in each of those two years. Gay plays club ball for the Pennsylvania Classics, and was part of that program's U18 Development Academy. He has Olympic Development Program (ODP) experience, participating in the U14 National Pool in 2007 and the Region I pool in '07 and '08. Gay also earned EPYSA First-Team honors in each of those two years. A National Honor Society member, he also has been named to the Distinguished Honor Roll.
“Tyler is an attacking player with an incredible engine who enjoys running at players,” said Nichols. “Tyler's style of play with fit in well within our attack.”
Genrich, a defender, is a senior at Salem H.S. A three-year starter at a center back position, he earned MSHAA All-District, All-Region and All-State honors as a senior, garnering the all-district accolades for the second-straight season. In his sophomore year, Genrich helped the team to district and regional championships, as Salem advanced all the way to the state semifinals. A three-year Scholar Athlete, he has been named to the Honor Roll in all four of his years in high school. Genrich plays club ball for CSA Wolves Academy, captaining his team in multiple years. He played in the U15 US Youth National League, and has ODP experience, participating on the State Team in three-straight seasons.
“Jake is a versatile defender with good size, speed and the ability to organize and control the back line,” said Nichols.
Grant, a forward, comes to BGSU after spending a year at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. Last season, he set school records with 23 goals and 53 points as McKendree broke the program record for wins. The Bearcats went 17-1-0 on the season. Grant's total of 23 goals included a whopping nine game-winning goals. He had three hat tricks and five other games with two goals, and scored at least one point in 15 of the team's 18 matches. Grant scored a team-high 17 goals in his final at his high school, Jamaica College.
“Anthony is a goal-scoring forward,” said Nichols. “He is fast, he is strong, and he can score goals in a lot of different ways.”
James, a midfielder, is in his final year at Loyola Catholic Secondary School. He was named his team's MVP and his school's Athlete of the Year as the team won a regional title in 2011. James plays club ball for Dixie Lions Athletics, and helped the team to a number-one ranking in Ontario in '11. The Lions won the OYSL League championship, going undefeated in league play, last year. James was also a member of Team Ontario at both the U14 and U16 levels, winning a silver medal at both national tournaments, and was a member of the Canadian National Player Pool. He was named to the Honour Roll in three years. His brother, Evan James, played collegiately at Charlotte and was the first overall pick in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, going to the Montreal Impact.
“Ryan is a technical and savvy player with the ability to score goals and dictate the game from central midfield,” said Nichols.
Landsberger, a goalkeeper, is a senior at Buffalo Grove H.S. An all-conference selection in multiple seasons, he earned IHSA All-Area Special Mention as his team earned a regional championship in 2011. Landsberger was named to the Senior Honor Roll in each of his four years at the school. He plays club ball for Sockers FC Chicago, and has been a U.S. Developmental Academy player since 2009. Landsberger was named one of Top Drawer Soccer's 'Top 20 Players to Watch' in the Midwest Region in 2010, and helped his club team to the Illinois State Cup finals in '08.
“Nick has all the tools to be a great goalkeeper, including a very steady command of his 18-yard box and of his team,” said Nichols.
Lekarev, a defender, joins the BGSU program after a season at Butler University. He played in nine games for the Bulldogs in 2011, making six starts. BU went 7-8-3 last fall. A 2010 All-State selection at Strongsville H.S., he was named the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division Player of the Year, and was also selected to the NSCAA All-Midwest Team. Lekarev was also named to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's 2010 All-Star Team. He was the leading scorer and team MVP, with 17 goals and five assists as a senior. He left the school tied for seventh on the SHS career list for goals scored, with 32. Lekarev played his club ball for the Internationals, and also has ODP experience, having played for the Region II Team. He was a member of the U18 U.S. National Team pool in 2008.
“Vlad is a soccer-savvy defender with strong organizational skills,” said Nichols. “He and Anthony Grant both fit in well with our system and already have been positive additions to our culture.”
Shea, a defender, is a senior at Metea Valley H.S. A first-team all-area selection, Shea was also named to the All-Upstate 8 Conference Team. Additionally, he earned IHSSCA All-Sectional accolades. Shea has played club ball for Galaxy SC, teaming with fellow Naperville native and incoming Falcon freshman Max Auden.
“Danny is a hard-working defender who reads the game well and is a strong ball-winner,” Nichols said.
Shelt, a midfielder/defender, played his high-school soccer at Lakewood H.S. A four-year varsity starter for the Rangers, he earned All-Northeast Ohio Conference honors, and picked up All-Greater Cleveland accolades on multiple occasions. Shelt has played club soccer for the Internationals, and currently plays for Ohio Premier.
"Jacob is a tough player with some good technical tools," said Nichols. "He will be able to step in for us in a number of different positions through the midfield and the back line."
Thomas, a goalkeeper, is a senior at Canfield H.S. He has earned all-conference and All-Mahoning County honors in all four years of high school, and was named to the All-Ohio Second Team in 2011. Thomas has played club soccer for the Crew Soccer Academy, helping his team advance to the playoffs in each of the past four years.
“Mike is a goalkeeper with the ability to make huge saves,” said Nichols. “He has the potential to be a real impact goalkeeper in college.
“The additions of Mike and Nick Landsberger give us an outstanding goalkeeper corps for the next several years.”
Nichols and his staff, assistants Charlie Edwards and Paul Habrecht, lose the services of five seniors – Colin Armstrong, Byard Ebling, Tanner Fink, Chris Jurtovski and Miguel Rosales – from the 2011 team.
BGSU MEN'S SOCCER SIGNING CLASS
Name – Pos. – Hometown (High School)
Max Auden – MF – Naperville, Ill. (North)
Tyler Gay – MF – New Cumberland, Pa. (Red Land)
Jake Genrich – D – Plymouth, Mich. (Salem)
Anthony Grant – F – Kingston, Jamaica (Jamaica College) (McKendree Univ.)
Ryan James – MF – Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (Loyola Catholic Secondary)
Nick Landsberger – GK – Arlington Heights, Ill. (Buffalo Grove)
Vlad Lekarev – D – Strongsville, Ohio (Strongsville) (Butler Univ.)
Danny Shea – D – Naperville, Ill. (Metea Valley)
Jacob Shelt – MF/D – Lakewood, Ohio (Lakewood)
Mike Thomas – GK – Canfield, Ohio (Canfield)
Two additional players, Anthony Grant and Vlad Lekarev, join the program after transferring from other institutions. Grant, who comes from McKendree University, and Lekarev, a transfer from Butler University, are enrolled at BGSU for the spring 2012 semester.
LINK: NLI Signees Photo Gallery
Auden, a midfielder, is a senior at Naperville North H.S. A two-time All-DuPage Valley Conference selection, he helped the team to three consecutive league crowns from 2009-11, as the team went 58-8-6 in that time. North also won regional titles in each of those three years, and advanced to the state semifinals in 2010. Auden also earned all-sectional honors, and was a three-time academic all-league choice. He has made the Honor Roll in seven consecutive semesters. Auden has played his club ball for the Galaxy Soccer Club, serving as a three-year captain and helping the team to a semifinal berth in the State Cup.
“Max is a technical, hard-working player with the versatility to have an impact on the field from a number of positions,” said Nichols.
Gay, a midfielder, is in his senior year at Red Land H.S. A team captain and team MVP in each of his last two seasons, ha was a first-team Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division all-star and a Patriot-News Big 11 selection in each of those two years. Gay plays club ball for the Pennsylvania Classics, and was part of that program's U18 Development Academy. He has Olympic Development Program (ODP) experience, participating in the U14 National Pool in 2007 and the Region I pool in '07 and '08. Gay also earned EPYSA First-Team honors in each of those two years. A National Honor Society member, he also has been named to the Distinguished Honor Roll.
“Tyler is an attacking player with an incredible engine who enjoys running at players,” said Nichols. “Tyler's style of play with fit in well within our attack.”
Genrich, a defender, is a senior at Salem H.S. A three-year starter at a center back position, he earned MSHAA All-District, All-Region and All-State honors as a senior, garnering the all-district accolades for the second-straight season. In his sophomore year, Genrich helped the team to district and regional championships, as Salem advanced all the way to the state semifinals. A three-year Scholar Athlete, he has been named to the Honor Roll in all four of his years in high school. Genrich plays club ball for CSA Wolves Academy, captaining his team in multiple years. He played in the U15 US Youth National League, and has ODP experience, participating on the State Team in three-straight seasons.
“Jake is a versatile defender with good size, speed and the ability to organize and control the back line,” said Nichols.
Grant, a forward, comes to BGSU after spending a year at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. Last season, he set school records with 23 goals and 53 points as McKendree broke the program record for wins. The Bearcats went 17-1-0 on the season. Grant's total of 23 goals included a whopping nine game-winning goals. He had three hat tricks and five other games with two goals, and scored at least one point in 15 of the team's 18 matches. Grant scored a team-high 17 goals in his final at his high school, Jamaica College.
“Anthony is a goal-scoring forward,” said Nichols. “He is fast, he is strong, and he can score goals in a lot of different ways.”
James, a midfielder, is in his final year at Loyola Catholic Secondary School. He was named his team's MVP and his school's Athlete of the Year as the team won a regional title in 2011. James plays club ball for Dixie Lions Athletics, and helped the team to a number-one ranking in Ontario in '11. The Lions won the OYSL League championship, going undefeated in league play, last year. James was also a member of Team Ontario at both the U14 and U16 levels, winning a silver medal at both national tournaments, and was a member of the Canadian National Player Pool. He was named to the Honour Roll in three years. His brother, Evan James, played collegiately at Charlotte and was the first overall pick in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, going to the Montreal Impact.
“Ryan is a technical and savvy player with the ability to score goals and dictate the game from central midfield,” said Nichols.
Landsberger, a goalkeeper, is a senior at Buffalo Grove H.S. An all-conference selection in multiple seasons, he earned IHSA All-Area Special Mention as his team earned a regional championship in 2011. Landsberger was named to the Senior Honor Roll in each of his four years at the school. He plays club ball for Sockers FC Chicago, and has been a U.S. Developmental Academy player since 2009. Landsberger was named one of Top Drawer Soccer's 'Top 20 Players to Watch' in the Midwest Region in 2010, and helped his club team to the Illinois State Cup finals in '08.
“Nick has all the tools to be a great goalkeeper, including a very steady command of his 18-yard box and of his team,” said Nichols.
Lekarev, a defender, joins the BGSU program after a season at Butler University. He played in nine games for the Bulldogs in 2011, making six starts. BU went 7-8-3 last fall. A 2010 All-State selection at Strongsville H.S., he was named the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division Player of the Year, and was also selected to the NSCAA All-Midwest Team. Lekarev was also named to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's 2010 All-Star Team. He was the leading scorer and team MVP, with 17 goals and five assists as a senior. He left the school tied for seventh on the SHS career list for goals scored, with 32. Lekarev played his club ball for the Internationals, and also has ODP experience, having played for the Region II Team. He was a member of the U18 U.S. National Team pool in 2008.
“Vlad is a soccer-savvy defender with strong organizational skills,” said Nichols. “He and Anthony Grant both fit in well with our system and already have been positive additions to our culture.”
Shea, a defender, is a senior at Metea Valley H.S. A first-team all-area selection, Shea was also named to the All-Upstate 8 Conference Team. Additionally, he earned IHSSCA All-Sectional accolades. Shea has played club ball for Galaxy SC, teaming with fellow Naperville native and incoming Falcon freshman Max Auden.
“Danny is a hard-working defender who reads the game well and is a strong ball-winner,” Nichols said.
Shelt, a midfielder/defender, played his high-school soccer at Lakewood H.S. A four-year varsity starter for the Rangers, he earned All-Northeast Ohio Conference honors, and picked up All-Greater Cleveland accolades on multiple occasions. Shelt has played club soccer for the Internationals, and currently plays for Ohio Premier.
"Jacob is a tough player with some good technical tools," said Nichols. "He will be able to step in for us in a number of different positions through the midfield and the back line."
Thomas, a goalkeeper, is a senior at Canfield H.S. He has earned all-conference and All-Mahoning County honors in all four years of high school, and was named to the All-Ohio Second Team in 2011. Thomas has played club soccer for the Crew Soccer Academy, helping his team advance to the playoffs in each of the past four years.
“Mike is a goalkeeper with the ability to make huge saves,” said Nichols. “He has the potential to be a real impact goalkeeper in college.
“The additions of Mike and Nick Landsberger give us an outstanding goalkeeper corps for the next several years.”
Nichols and his staff, assistants Charlie Edwards and Paul Habrecht, lose the services of five seniors – Colin Armstrong, Byard Ebling, Tanner Fink, Chris Jurtovski and Miguel Rosales – from the 2011 team.
BGSU MEN'S SOCCER SIGNING CLASS
Name – Pos. – Hometown (High School)
Max Auden – MF – Naperville, Ill. (North)
Tyler Gay – MF – New Cumberland, Pa. (Red Land)
Jake Genrich – D – Plymouth, Mich. (Salem)
Anthony Grant – F – Kingston, Jamaica (Jamaica College) (McKendree Univ.)
Ryan James – MF – Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (Loyola Catholic Secondary)
Nick Landsberger – GK – Arlington Heights, Ill. (Buffalo Grove)
Vlad Lekarev – D – Strongsville, Ohio (Strongsville) (Butler Univ.)
Danny Shea – D – Naperville, Ill. (Metea Valley)
Jacob Shelt – MF/D – Lakewood, Ohio (Lakewood)
Mike Thomas – GK – Canfield, Ohio (Canfield)
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