Men's Soccer Southern Conference

Wofford men's soccer welcomes seven newcomers for 2004

Wofford head men's soccer coach Matt Kern has announced the commitment of seven players to join the program for the upcoming 2004 fall season. Included in the class are three players from Georgia and one each from North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

"We are extremely pleased with this year's incoming class," said Kern. "Several of the players are capable of seeing lots of playing time as first years as long as they arrive fit, work hard and adjust to the speed of the game at the NCAA Division I level.

"All seven student-athletes are good soccer players, outstanding students and individuals of high character. They aim to be a part of the first winning season for Wofford since the move to Division I and will represent the program and college, on and off the field, with great class."

Reed Blair joins the program after playing at the Collegiate School in Richmond, Va. A member of the two-time defending state championship squad, he has been named first-team all-state, all-South each of the past two years and was an all-prep selection every year since 2001. He served as the team captain twice and was its MVP in 2001 and 2003. Blair also played club soccer for the Richmond Kickers and participated in the Virginia Olympic Development Program (ODP). He chose the Terrier program over the likes of national power Indiana and regional choice Georgetown.

"He's a dangerous attacking player that can play up front or anywhere in the midfield," said Kern. "He is dynamic running with the ball at defenders and is an excellent crosser of the ball."

A native of Macon, Ga., Brian Carter will suit up for the Terriers in 2004. Among his accomplishments at the Stratford Academy were being named the 2003 all-state, all-region and senior all-start squads. He served as the team's co-captain and was MVP while leading the GISA in goals scored. In 2002, the Macon Telegraph recognized him on its all-Middle Georgia team. Prior to moving to Georgia, he lived in Oregon and was a member of its ODP team.

"Brian will provide depth in the midfield and up front," noted Kern. "A dimunitive, but technical player, he is crafty with the ball at his feet in the middle and final thirds."

Local product Andrew Harris from Inman, S.C., and Dorman High School also will join the program this fall. He's been a member of the state ODP team and played for the St. Giles United club team. Harris also garnered MVP honors at the Chapman High Tournament as well as a place on its all-tournament team.

"Andrew will help improve our overall athleticism," remarked Kern. "He is big, strong and extremely fit and capable of playing as a forward or midfielder. Initially, we intend on trying him as a marking back."

Hailing from Monroe High School in Monroe, N.C., is Tee Leitner. A two-time all-conference selection in 2002 and 2003, he played also with the Charlotte Soccer Club.

"He will get his looks at a variety of roles during pre-season," noted Kern. "He has experience playing as an attacking midfielder and a target forward. His work rate is one of his greatest attributes and may be considered to play in the back four."

A transfer from Truett-McConnell Community College in Cleveland, Ga., Dustin Orth will don the Wofford uniform in 2004. After earning all-region honors during his career at Wesleyan High School in Norcross, Ga., he scored 12 goals in both of his seasons at Truett-McConnell. Orth also garnered all-region recognition there, the first player in school history to do so. Prior to attending the community college, he played club soccer with the Cherokee Redwings.

"He will compete for time as a wide midfielder or forward," said Kern. "He's a hard worker capable of shooting with either foot."

A former all-state and all-district selection at Klein High School in Spring, Texas, Joey Taylor adds another dimension to the Wofford goalkeeping position. He has played on the South Texas ODP squad and was a member of the Classics Soccer Club. He chose the Terriers over South Carolina.

"He will compete for time in goal as a first-year player," remarked Kern. "He is technically and tactically very sound and a very good communicator who encourages organization in the back."

Brendan Tolleson from Atlanta, Ga., also has committed to playing for the Terriers this upcoming fall season. He has played prep soccer at the Lovett School and club soccer for United Quest. A four-year varsity starter, he was named to the all-county squad as well as a member of the first team all-area team as a junior and earned a spot on the second team as a sophomore. He's also been recognized as the team's offensive MVP and captain.

"He may be the surprise of the class," noted Kern. "Initially, he will get a look as an attacking central midfielder. He is very good technically as a clever, but simple, passer of the ball. Despite his average height, he is good in the air winning 50-50 balls."

The Terriers will begin their 2004 season with pre-season practice in August