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Maine Men's Soccer Announces Four Additional Commitments
April 17, 2008
ORONO, Maine--University of Maine men's soccer coach Pat Laughlin announced today that his program has received commitments from four additional players to attend the University of Maine this fall. Adam Loiacono and Willis Ponder will join the Black Bears as first-year players, while Nikola Bogdanovic and Jake Ostrov join the Black Bears as transfers. "These players solidify an already deep and talented pool of players joining Maine for the 2008 season," said Maine head coach Pat Laughlin. "I feel that we have increased our overall talent level with this recruit class. I am looking forward to the fall and working with our returning core of players and this recruiting class." Adam Loiacono is a 6-1, 185-pound back from Cranston, R.I. He was a two-year captain at Cranston West High School where he was an All-Division selection in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He also earned All-Academic Team honors in 2006. He played his Club Soccer with the Bayside FC where he served as captain. "Adam is a back player who brings good physical qualities," said Laughlin. "He is a powerful athlete who also has a good touch. He is another good prospect that has come out of the Bayside Club in Rhode Island. Adam does a good job organizing in the back and communicates well." Willis Ponder is a 5-10, 180-pound goalkeeper from Austin, Texas. He played his Club Soccer with Lonestar Red 90. Ponder was a South Texas ODP State Team player and a pool player from 2001-2005. He was named to the TAPPS All-Star team in high school as a striker. Ponder was named Team MVP during the 2005-06 season. "Will is an aggressive goalkeeper with a solid background," said Laughlin. "He is a good shot stopper who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. He has played in a very strong club program with Lonestars Soccer Club."
Nikola Bogdanovic is a 5-10, 160-pound midfielder from Belgrade, Serbia. He is a transfer from Oral Roberts where he has played the past two seasons. He played in 35 games, starting 26 for the Golden Eagles. Bogdanovic was selected to the Conference All-Newcomer team in 2006. He was also selected to the Summit League All-Academic Team in 2007. Bogdanovic was captain of the Serbian National U-16 Team. "Nikola is an excellent passer who has a great deal of experience," said Laughlin. "He has two years of starting experience at the NCAA Division I level with Oral Roberts and has Youth National Team experience with Serbia. I feel that Nikola will make a big contribution to Maine soccer this fall." Jake Ostrov is a 5-9, 160-pound forward/midfielder from Saratoga Springs, N.Y. A transfer from Manhattan College, he played in 14 games last season, starting four for the Jaspers. He was an ENY State Champion with the BlackWatch Premier and BW Kosmos. Ostrov was a USYSA Region I semifinalist at U-17 with BW Kosmos. He played on the ENY State ODP team two years. "Jake is a player who came late to us in this years recruiting process after he decided to transfer from Manhattan College," said Laughlin. "He is a very technically clean player. His experience at Manhattan and with his club team will help him to settle in quickly at Maine." All National Letter of Intent signings and commitments are contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse. -U-M- |
