Men's Soccer Southern Conference

UNCG Men's Soccer Signs Five

Five players have signed National Letters of Intent to play men's soccer at UNCG beginning this fall, coach Michael Parker announced April 5.

Midfielders James Goodman and Justin Towns, back Caleb Reed and goalkeepers Jay Benfield and Matt Durrant will all compete for the Spartans in 2001.

"We're very excited about our new players," said Parker. "We felt that the program needed some fresh blood, and I think that we've gotten that. A number of our signees will immediately challenge for significant roles on the team."

Goodman, of Palm Coast, FL, was a First Team All-State selection as a senior. He was also named News-Journal Player of the Year and was a four-time All-Conference and All-Area honoree. He led his Flagler Palm Coast H.S. team to a state runner-up finish this season and a state championship in 2000.

Towns, of Lilburn, GA, is a member of the '82 Region III and Georgia State ODP teams. He has also played for Parkview H.S., helping the squad to the state championship in 1998.

Reed, of Tulsa, OK, is a member of the Region IV ODP team and the Central Tulsa club team.

Durrant, of Cary, NC, has played for former UNCG assistant coach Rusty Scarborough on the NC state ODP team since 1998 and was an Academic All-Conference selection at Athens Drive H.S.

Benfield, of Lewisville, NC, was an All-State selection in 2000. He was also Regional and Central Piedmont Conference Player of the Year.

Four other players are also expected to join the team.

Jamie Carlson, a back of East Lansing, MI, competes on the Michigan state ODP team and was a member of the Regional ODP pool from 1997-99.

Adrian Worthen, a midfielder of Morehead City, NC, has completed high school requirements and joined the team for spring drills. He competed for West Carteret H.S.

Brad McCurry, a back of Gastonia, NC, competed on the NC state select team from 1997-99 under Scarborough and was a member of the Region III ODP team in 1997. He was a two-time All-Conference selection and an honorable mention All-Region selection in 1999.

Ben Hunley, a back of Charlotte, NC, is a three-time All-Conference honoree and has competed on the NC state ODP team under Scarborough since 1998.

Benfield and Hunley will compete for the West team in the NC East-West All-Star Game July 16 at UNCG.