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A class that includes a pair of NSCAA Scholar All-Americans highlights one of the top men’s soccer signing classes in the nation, as University of Evansville head coach Mike Jacobs and his staff announced the signing of six student-athletes that will continue their academic and athletic careers at UE.
The Purple Aces’ signing class includes: Erik Hagan (Louisville, Ky./J.M. Atherton), Jacob Hill (Mount Sterling, Ky./Montgomery County), Kyle Richardville (Vincennes, Ind./Lincoln), Jared Robinson (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty), Landon Souder (Harrodsburg, Ky./Mercer County) and Bobby Williams (Clarksville, Tenn./ Rossview)
“We believe that adding this incoming group give us quality personnel and depth at every position, and with the solid nucleus we have returning, we should have all the pieces we need to be an outstanding team in 2013,” said Jacbos. “We are excited to welcome this group to the Purple Aces family.”
ERIK HAGAN, 6-7, 180, LOUISVILLE, KY. / J.M. ATHERTON
Notable: Hagan comes to Evansville with an impressive resume at both the youth and high school levels. The physically imposing goalkeeper has been a standout for the River City Rovers, leading them to the title at the 2012 Birmingham Collegiate Showcase. He led his Javanon ’95 team to the Disney Soccer Showcase finals in 2010 and was later invited to train with Bolton FC in England. An all-region selection at J.M. Atherton High School, Hagan was named the team MVP and captain, as well as a Wendy’s High School Heisman Award recipient. In 2012, Hagan was an Aces Soccer Camp All-Star.
Jacobs on Hagan: “Erik has some unique physical tools that make him a tremendous potential prospect at the next level.”
JACOB HILL, 6-1, 165, MOUNT STERLING, KY. / MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Notable: An industrious midfielder who is very action on both sides of the ball, Hill has been a mainstay and key contributor for the Bluegrass SC and Lexington FC club teams, leading the Thoroughbreds to consecutive Kentucky State Cup semifinal appearances. An all-state selection at Montgomery County High School, he led his team to two Elite Eight appearances and has been a member of the Kentucky ODP. Hill was an Aces Soccer Camp All-Star in 2012.
Jacobs on Hill: “Jacob performed well this past summer at our ID camp and earned the opportunity to be a part of our program. He figures to add strength and versatility to our midfield and back line.”
KYLE RICHARDVILLE, 5-8, 150, VINCENNES, IND. / LINCOLN
Notable: Richardville arrives at UE as one of the more creative attacking high school players in the state of Indiana. An all-state selection and four-time all-area player of the year for Vincennes Lincoln High School, Richardville ended his successful high school career as Indiana’s all-time leader in assists. In addition, he was recently selected as an NSCAA Scholar All-American. His success has continued at the youth level, as he led his SWISA FCE team to the IYSA State Cup finals this past season and a title at the prestigious Disney Showcase. Richardville is a two-time Aces Soccer Camp All-Star, earning recognition in both 2011 and 2012.
Jacobs on Richardville: “Kyle has the potential to be a very successful player at the collegiate level. He can create and finish scoring chances and his versatility offers him the opportunity to contribute in a number of different roles.”
JARED ROBINSON, 6-3, 210, POWELL, OHIO / OLENTANGY LIBERTY
Notable: Robinson is an accomplished goal scorer at the high school and youth levels. He was named team MVP at Olentangy Liberty High School, leading the Patriots to a state championship by scoring all of the team’s goals in the state semifinal and final. Olentangy Liberty finished the fall ranked ninth in the NSCAA Fall High School National Rankings. As a member of the Crew Soccer Academy of the United States Soccer Development Academy, Robinson led the Columbus Crew to the Great Lakes Division title and USSDA playoffs in 2011. Robinson and his Columbus Crew team also advanced to the finals of the Major League Soccer (MLS) adidas Generation U-17 Championship. Rated on the ESPNHS national watch list, Robinson has also been a US Club Soccer National ID2 player and a member of the Ohio South ODP. He was selected as an Aces Soccer Camp All-Star in 2012.
Jacobs on Robinson: “Jared is a very dangerous attacking player. He has been an accomplished goal scorer at the high school and youth levels, and his combination of physical strength and pace makes him a real handful to play against.”
LANDON SOUDER, 6-2, 170, HARRODSBURG, KY. / MERCER COUNTY
Notable: Souder has been a very successful midfielder and defender at the youth and high school levels. A first team all-state and NSCAA All-Region selection at Mercer County High School, he was recently honored as an NSCAA Scholar All-American. A member of the United States Youth Soccer Association Region II (Midwest) ODP, Souder was a key contributor at the USYSA Interregional event that was held in conjunction with the 2012 NCAA College Cup. He was the captain of the Lexington FC team that went on to the Kentucky State finals and won a Disney Championship in 2011. An outstanding athlete, Souder was a member of the Kentucky 2A State Champion 4-x-800 meter relay team, running the anchor leg. In addition, Souder was named the Aces Soccer Camp Most Valuable Player in 2012.
Jacobs on Souder: “Landon has been an outstanding leader at every level he has played at and his outstanding work ethic and ability to compete has made him a special student-athlete. The combination of those attributes, along with his tremendous athletic ability will make him an immediate asset.”
BOBBY WILLIAMS, 5-11, 150, CLARKSVILLE, TENN. / ROSSVIEW
Notable: Williams arrives at UE with a strong pedigree as an accomplished goalkeeper at the youth level. He has led his Tennessee Soccer Club team to four-straight Tennessee State Cup championships, including two in dramatic fashion in penalty kicks. A member of the ODP, Williams led his Tennessee team to the 2012 ODP National Championships in Dallas. In 2012, he was named an Aces Soccer Camp All-Star.
Jacobs on Williams: “Bobby has performed very well in a good standard at the youth level and figures to add depth to our goalkeeper corps. He is a solid decision maker with excellent distribution and he has strong leadership skills.”
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