A class that includes members of the United States Under-17 National Team, USYSA Region II Olympic Development Program Team, and USYSA national finalists highlight one of the top classes in the nation for the 2010 University of Evansville men's soccer recruiting class. 

Head Coach Mike Jacobs announced the signing today of nine recruits--Ethan Brunk (Ellisville, Mo.), Ryan Buda (Stevens Point, Wis,), Sam Carenza (Ballwin, Mo.), Brandon Causey (Prospect, Ky.), Daniel Cortez (Houston, Texas), Alex Kapsalis (Fishers, Ind.), Philip Manga (Lexington, Ky.), Joel Nash (Ellicott City, Md.) and Taylor Parker (Prospect, Ky.)

"This incoming group will rate right up there with some of our recent classes," said Jacobs, "allowing us to add some of the best youth players in the nation.  This recruiting class gives us exactly what we wanted: a class of outstanding players, well balanced by positions, and full of proven winners with leadership qualities.  They are hard workers and will play a large role in what we expect will be an outstanding team."

Jacobs has led Evansville to winning seasons in each of his four years as head coach.  Last year's team reached the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament finals, and four players earned All-Midwest Region honors.

The 2010 class:

Ethan Brunk, Goalkeeper
6-4, 170, Ellisville, Mo. / Lafayette HS

Brunk plays in goal for the St Louis Scott Gallagher program, and was a member of the Missouri Olympic Development Program Pool.  He was an ACES SOCCER CAMP All-Star in 2009.  Jacobs On Brunk - "Ethan is an athletic shot-stopper, and should be able to provide depth to our goalkeeping corps."

Ryan Buda, Midfielder
5-7, 150, Stevens Point, Wis. / Stevens Point Area Sr. HS

Buda is regarded as one of the top midfielders in the Midwest, and has been a regular starter in the midfield and in the back for the Region II Olympic Development Program team.  He participated in the Adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) in 2008 and 2009.  Buda was a first team All-State performer and Wisconsin Valley Conference (WVC) Player of the Year in 2009, leading Stevens Point Area Sr. HS to the WVC championship.  Jacobs on Buda - "Ryan has the ability to contribute on both sides of the ball, and in a number of different roles.  He is an excellent decision-maker with the ball, and is a good passer in penetration and for possession."

Sam Carenza, Midfielder
6-1, 165, Ballwin, Mo. / Christian Brothers College HS

Carenza is regarded as one of the top prospects in the St. Louis metropolitan area, leading his Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School to the 2009 Missouri High School state championship.  Carenza was a first team All-State selection.  A versatile midfielder, Carenza has also been a standout at the club level for St Louis Scott Gallagher Metro.  He participates in the US Soccer Developmental Academy, as well as the Missouri Olympic Development Program.  Jacobs on Carenza - "Sam has all of the attributes to be a standout at the collegiate level, combining a tenacious commitment level with a creative and crafty level of passing.  We expect him to be someone who can contribute in the midfield or in the back."

Brandon Causey, Defender
6-1, 170, Prospect, Ky. / North Oldham HS

Causey has been a standout defender for one of the top youth teams in the nation, leading Javanon FC to the United States Youth Soccer Association National Championships in 2008 and 2009 as the Region II (Midwest) champions.  Causey, who can play as a central defender and as a left back, also helped lead Javanon FC to the 2008 and 2009 Disney Showcase Finals.  Brandon was an All-State selection at North Oldham HS, and has been a member of the Kentucky Olympic Development Program.  Causey is a teammate of current Purple Ace Cole Page.  Jacobs on Causey - "Brandon has had a tremendous amount of success as a youth player, and we expect that to continue here.  His combination of athletic tools, passing ability and being left-sided makes him someone who can play a number of different roles across the back for us."

Daniel Cortez, Defender/Midfielder
5-10, 170, Houston, Texas / Klein Forest HS

Cortez has been one of the team leaders at center back for the Dallas Texans Houston team that advanced to the United States Youth Soccer Association National Championships last summer.  Cortez' performances earned him the opportunity to train with Manchester United's coaching staff when they were in Dallas last summer.  Cortez has led the Texans SC/DTH team in the US Soccer Developmental Academy this season.  He was 1st team All-District and the Defensive Player of the Year while being captain and leading Klein Forest High School to their first two winning seasons in 10 years.  Jacobs on Cortez - "Danny has the drive and commitment to make him an excellent leader among his peers, and has been a key contributor for some very good teams.  His ability to play anywhere across the back and in the midfield makes him someone who significantly improves our depth in a number of different roles."

Alex Kapsalis, Midfielder
6-0, 165, Fishers, Ind. / Fishers HS

Kapsalis is a standout midfielder and a physical presence.  He has led his FC Pride team to Indiana State Cup championships in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and to Midwest Regional League titles in 2007 and 2008.  He was a key contributor to his team's championship in the 2008 Disney Showcase.  Kapsalis was a second team All-State selection for Fishers HS, finishing his career as their all-time leader in assists.  Alex has participated in the Indiana Olympic Development Program.  Jacobs on Kapsalis - "Alex is a tenacious battler in the midfield, and adds a competitive element that all great teams have.  I know that his athletic ability and level of commitment make him someone who will push for time in the midfield and in the back."

Philip Manga, Forward
6-1, 160, Lexington, Ky. / Henry Clay HS

Manga is one of the more dynamic attacking players in the nation.  He has led his Lexington Futbol Club team to the Under-16 Kentucky State Cup Championship this past summer, where they advanced to the USYSA Region II Championships.  He has been a key contributor for the Region II Olympic Development Program team.  Jacobs on Manga - "Philip has the potential to provide an impact at this level.  His combination of pace and ability to get behind defenses make him a very dangerous player in the final third of the field."

Joel Nash, Midfielder
5-7, 150, Ellicott City, Md. / The Learning Community International

Nash is one of the top midfield prospects in the nation, and represented his country in the United States Under-17 National Team program.  He was in their residency program in Bradenton, Florida in the spring of 2009.  Nash has participated in the Brad Friedel Premier Soccer Academy, as well as academy programs of the Columbus Crew and DC United.  Joel currently plays for DC United of the US Soccer Developmental Academy.  He is rated as the fifth best prospect in the South by Top Drawer Soccer.  Jacobs on Nash - "Joel is a general in the midfield, and has the ability to dictate the tempo and rhythm of the game.  His experience playing with the US Under-17 National Team makes him ready to compete at this level."

Taylor Parker, Forward
6-1, 175, Prospect, Ky. / Saint Xavier HS

Parker is a standout forward for Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club, the Kentucky state champions from 2004 through 2007.  Parker has been the leading scorer for Mockingbird Valley.  His St. Xavier High School team has been regarded as one of the best in the nation, winning the Kentucky state championship in 2008 and 2009.  The team's second leading scorer, Taylor was named  third team All-State in 2009.  Parker was an ACES SOCCER CAMP All-Star in 2009.  Jacobs on Parker - "Taylor is a physical presence up front, and is a hard-working attacking player.  His style of play blends well with the other attacking players in our program."