May 5, 2008

Release

Simmons on...

Jason Guehler
"Jason is clearly one of the top goal scorers in the country at the competitive youth soccer level. He has a winner's mentality as reflected by his record breaking senior year at The Colony HS and National Championship winner's medal with his club team Andromeda."

Johnny Tyma
"Johnny has scored some big goals against some top teams at the national stage with his Chicago Sockers club team. We're excited to get one of Chicagoland's best versatile attacking players."

Tim King
"Tim has been mentored by one of the best high school coaches in the area in Tony Kees. His size and pace makes him another one of the area's top high school defenders. He will certainly add to the depth of our backline."

Francis Otira
"Franny comes to us as a cultured defender with loads of experience. His size and athleticism are enhanced with a tremendous personality. His Sudanese background and British playing influence will add to our already diverse squad."

Finn Jor
"Finn is one of Norway's top youth strikers. His playing background at one of Norway's top sports school NTG is as good as it comes. He follows in the NIU tradition of top Norwegian strikers dating back to Eirik Fredericksen and Johann Bergseth."

Brad Horton
"Brad is the most decorated youth soccer player to come out of DeKalb County. As a youth All-American and Illinois HS player of the year, Brad will be exciting to watch in front of the home fans for years to come."

Chris Tidwell
"Chris follows the footsteps of another NIU DeKalb County based goalkeeper Brian Van Buren. Chris earned JUCO All-American honors at Kishwaukee College under Coach Josh Woita. His experience will certainly raise the level of our goalkeeping core."

Alex Evert
"Alex quite possibly could be the fastest player at NIU.....and that is saying something. His versatility in wide attacking and defending positions will serve us well. His club soccer pedigree with the Concorde Fire out of Atlanta is among the best in the country."

Matt Lampson
"To say that I am thrilled Matt Lampson coming to NIU this fall is an understatement. His character and mentality have been tempered by his recent victory over cancer. The manner in which he conquered his disease is an example for all of us to live by."