Men's Soccer Announces 2013 Recruiting Class
Feb. 14, 2013
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State men's soccer coach Steve Simmons has announced the program's recruiting class for the 2013 season, and there is much to be excited about. The nine new players must replace seven departing seniors, including a pair of Major League Soccer draft choices. Still, a day like this is one to look ahead to the potential of this new crop of soccer talent.
Simmons is heading into his fifth season as the Beavers' head coach, and he feels that this class represents the team culture that he has instilled since his arrival.
"To be certain, this class will continue to move our competitiveness in the right direction," he said. "It's exciting to see another recruiting class with a vast geographic representation ranging from in-state to international student-athletes."
The state of Oregon is certainly represented with players from the Portland Timbers Developmental Academy. On a more global scale, this year's class also features a Norwegian and a Canadian. Simmons wasn't alone in bringing such a talented and diverse class to Corvallis.
"I would like to highlight the tireless work of assistant coaches Adam Pearce and Dustin Norman," Simmons said. "They have done a bang up job to evaluate, identify and ultimately sell these kids on the special things here at OSU. They are a reflection of the motivation and drive to move this program forward."
Let's meet the men's soccer class of 2013, then hear Coach Simmons speak of the group at the bottom of the article.
David Boldt - Littleton, Colorado - Rock Canyon HS - Real Colorado Development Academy
Boldt has been a team captain since his sophomore season and a starter since his freshman year at Rock Canyon High School. This past season, he scored two goals and added nine assists as a defender. The team was a state finalist his freshman season. Boldt was named second team all-conference as a sophomore and first team all-state as a junior. Rock Canyon was a state semifinalist in 2011. He's been a captain of Real Colorado National during his stint with the club team from 2005-2010. He's a member of the National Honor Society and was First Team Academic All-State as a junior.
He played for coach Lorne Donaldson at Real Colorado, and Simmons is excited by his high soccer IQ and his ability to play the ball with both of his feet. Boldt is comfortable playing multiple positions on the backline.
"His ability to play at both outside back positions will serve us well in the future," Simmons said.
Spencer Kleweno - Portland, Oregon - Wilson HS - Portland Timbers Development Academy
A Wilson High School graduate, Kleweno will play up front for the Beavers. His trademark is his ability to run down the ball and make plays. He recently played in the Region IV ODP Regional Championships with the Timbers Pre-Academy ODP '95 Boys. Players from across the state represented Oregon against ODP teams from Arizona, Cal-South, Utah and New Mexico in the tournament. Kleweno earned second-team honors for his performance.
"Spencer is an old school, hard-nosed forward," Simmons said. "We feel he is one of the better forwards in this class coming out of Oregon."
Mitchell North - Medford, Oregon - Canby HS - Portland Timbers Development Academy
North is a goalkeeper also from the Portland Timbers Development Academy and head coach Adam Smith. Described as a courageous shot blocker, he is a traditional keeper with a big, athletic frame. He will now work under the tutelage of OSU assistant Adam Pearce.
"His command of the penalty box and communication with the back four is superb," Simmons said. "He will immediately challenge the current goalkeepers and raise the level of our goalkeeping corps."
Ole Sandnes - Oslo, Norway - Grorud/Valerenga Academy (Norway)
Sandnes will join the team for the spring term but is already mature beyond his years. Playing for the legendary Valerenga Academy and coach Rolf Teigen, Sandnes is prepared for the rigors of Pac-12 soccer competition.
"Ole brings discipline and maturity to our central midfield," Simmons said. "He's a box to box type midfielder who is tough in the tackle, clean on the ball and has good vision."
Devonte Small - San Antonio, Texas - Roosevelt HS - Classics Elite Development Academy
Devonte Small is a two-time All-District Selection from Roosevelt High School in San Antonio. He's has ODP experience in Texas and has also played on the U-14 National Team and the Manchester United Premier Cup U-14 Team. A child of a military family, Small ended up in San Antonio and competed with Classics Elite under coach Tom Woolley.
He is an attacker highly comfortable making runs at opposing defenders. Simmons said that Small is definitely capable of fitting in well with the current attacking options on the Beavers' roster.
"He's a quick, skillful attacker who can play in wide areas as well as on the high line," Simmons said.
Jonathan Stadler - Portland, Oregon - Vista Grande HS - Real Salt Lake Development Academy
Stadler was a US Youth Soccer 2010 ODP Interregional All-Star in 2010 and participated in the Costa Rica Tour with Region IV as a starter at center back. He was an ESPN Rise Top Player at the 2010 US Youth Soccer ODP Winter Interregional.
Stadler's coach at Real Salt Lake Development Academy is current United State National Team assistant coach Martin Vasquez. A native Oregonian, the OSU coaching staff is pleased to have the talented defender return back to his home state.
"Jonathan is a tough, smart defender who has done well at center back and outside back," Simmons said. "He can play out of the back with confidence, while defending with discipline.
Michael Steele - Ferndale, Washington - Ferndale HS - Seattle Sounders FC Development Academy
Steele is another former US Youth National Team player with loads of experience. He started strong at Ferndale High, leading the team in scoring as a freshman. He's played a ton of ODP soccer, including being a member of the U-14 National Team. He was a Region IV All-Tournament First Team selection on a team that won the Region IV Championship.
Steele is an attacker that can score goals. He's quick with solid technical skills and played multiple attacking positions with head coach Dick McCormick.
"He has an eye for the goal and has that special something to unlock defenses," Simmons said.
Jacob Szuch - Boise, Idaho - Borah HS - Boise Nationals SC
Szuch anchored the backline for the Idaho state champion Boise Nationals and head coach Coe Michaelson, Szuch is a superior athlete and is versatile enough to play anywhere on the defensive backline.
He has been an all-state first team midfielder and defender throughout his high school career. At Borah, Szuch's team was a three-time state finalist, winning one title. He's also won five state championships in club soccer.
"His ability in the air will make him a threat on attacking set-pieces," Simmons said. "We believe his speed and quickness will give us the option to play our backline at different depths."
Brendan Woodfull - Unionville, Ontario - Crothers HS - Toronto FC
Following in the footsteps of former Beaver and fellow Ontario native Emery Welshman, Woodfull is an exceptional goal scorer who does very well on the high line. Playing for coach Thomas Rongen, Oregon State is hoping Woodfull can have the offensive impact that Welshman did over the past two seasons.
A striker, he has been lauded for his natural talent and his ability to play as either a central striker or in a wide position. He played for Toronto's under-17 squad in Columbus, Ohio, at the MLS Cup regional qualifying tournament. Toronto won its section and qualified for the championship tournament.
"His movement off the ball, especially in the channels, allows him to get consistent good looks on goal," Simmons said. "Athletically, he's been one of the top sprint and middle distance runners in his province."
