Men's Soccer Inks Four Ahead of 2016 Campaign
ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany men's soccer head coach Trevor Gorman has announced the addition of four players to the Great Danes squad for 2016. The class features two local New York products and two new players from Europe.
“We are excited to welcome this incoming class.” Gorman stated. “Each of these guys impressed us throughout the recruiting process, and brings something that we feel adds value to our large returning group.”
The new additions will join a Great Danes squad returning 16 letter winners and nine starters from the 2015 America East regular season title squad.
Shane Devine | M | 5-9 | 160 | Carmel, N.Y./Carmel
Quick Facts: Devine has been a six-year member of FC Westchester in the US Soccer Development Academy, and was a part of the 2015 team that qualified for the Academy Playoffs. He has also been invited to multiple USSF Market Training Centers, and was a part of the ID2 training program.
Gorman on Devine: “Shane is a tough, hard-working, midfield player. He comes from a quality environment in the FC Westchester program and will be well prepared for the demands at this level. Shane will be a great representative of the Great Danes throughout his career.”
Owen Fingar | M | 5-10 | 160 | Scotia, N.Y./Scotia-Glenville
Quick Facts: A two time Section 2 Class A Player of the Year, Fingar comes to UAlbany from nearby Scotia. In 2014 and 2015 he was named an NSCAA All-State selection, and in 2015 he was also named an NSCAA All-Region player. Fingar was a member of the Foothills League All Star team in each of his four years at Scotia-Glenville. He has played his club soccer locally for Blackwatch Premier.
Gorman on Fingar: “Owen is a local player who's very familiar with our program. He's had an outstanding high school career in the area, and will be excited to continue his career here in front of his friends and family. Owen is a dynamic athlete and we're looking forward to his development here at UAlbany.”
Eric Leontiou | M | 6-2 | 160 | Nicosia, Cyprus/Forcum School
Quick Facts: A Cypriot youth international, Leontiou comes to UAlbany having represented his country at the U-15, U-17, and U-19 levels. He played for the Anorthosis Famagusta club from U-15 to U-21, and took third place in the Cyprus U-17 national championship.
Gorman on Leontiou: “Eric has a wealth of experience internationally. Both his father and grandfather attended UAlbany so he is excited to follow in that family tradition as well. Eric is very good on the ball, can play in a lot of different roles in our team, and will certainly add quality in the middle of the field. We're happy to welcome him to our Great Dane family.”
Brynjar Steinþórsson | D | 6-0 | 175 | Reykjavik, Iceland/Commercial College of Iceland
Quick Facts: A strong defender, Steinþórsson joins the Great Danes from Reykjavik, Iceland for 2016. In 2015, He was a member of the Fjölnir FC U19 team that won both the league and cup championship. His cup final performance earned him man of the match distinction.
Gorman on Steinþórsson: “Brynjar is a tough, experienced, player who we're excited to add. Iceland is a country that's doing very well in world soccer at the moment, and Brynjar has proven to be a winner in their competitions over there. He will bring those qualities to our UAlbany team this fall and fit in well with our program overall.”
