EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Now that he's completed his first season at the helm of the University of Evansville's men's soccer team, head coach Marshall Ray is already well into his preparations for the 2016 campaign, and on Wednesday, he announced the addition of three players to the squad for next year.
"This is a great start to our 2016 recruiting class," Ray said. "I'm looking forward to announcing the rest in February as well as getting back out on the field to prepare for next fall."
The signings included a pair of Indiana products in Ian Gammon and Eric McDougal as well as a highly-decorated goalkeeper in Frederik Reimer out of Danish giant Aalborg BK.
Reimer, who hails from Vester Hessing, Denmark, was an important part of the youth set-up for Aalborg, highlighted by a U17 Dallas Cup title in 2013. In addition, he was involved on the senior level for the four-time Danish Superliga champs, earning a spot on the squad for UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches during the 2014-15 season. He also appeared in friendlies against IK Start and Torpedo Moscow.
Reimer was a notable futsal player as well, being named MVP after leading his team to the 2014 U19 Danish championship. Later in the year, he would pick up another impressive tournament win at Adidas' "Battle of the Nordics" in Stockholm, Sweden.
"I think Frederik can bring a different dimension to our team," Ray said. "He comes from a European academy, and he'll bring that experience and approach with him. At 6-4, he's a prototypical keeper for the Division I college game, and I think he has a level of maturity that will help solidify us at the back and raise the level of competition amongst our keepers."
McDougal also comes to Evansville from a winning background. The former Carmel High School standout led his club team, Carmel United SC, to four state championships. At CHS, he was named Hamilton County Player of the Year and was a two-time all-state selection while playing for one of the state's most successful teams.
"Eric played for a former Evansville player, Shane Schmidt, and he really epitomizes what we're about here," Ray said. "He's going to bring a bite to our group, and he's extremely competitive. He'll play in a defensive role for us. Eric was great attacking player in high school, and he'll be able to showcase that ability from wide areas as well."
Gammon will be joining UE after graduating early from Brownsburg High School. The defender was a member of the Indiana Fire U18 U. S. Soccer Development Academy side that was ranked as high as third in the country, and he also helped his club Westside United 98 to four state semifinal trips. At BHS, he found the back of the net seven times and assisted seven more, but he was just as successful in the classroom, posting a 4.2 grade-point-average.
"Ian brings a lot of experience from playing at the highest level possible as a youth player in Indy," Ray said. "Ian is a versatile player who can play in several positions across the back line and in midfield. He's excited to join our program after attending our camps the last three years. UE really appealed to him both athletically and academically."
Gannon, McDougal and Reimer will all participate in spring practices with the Aces next semester.
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