NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara men’s soccer head coach Chase Brooks has announced the 2012 recruiting class. The Purple Eagles welcome Marvin Alyas, Darren Cooper, Julian Ekeze, Keaton Levock, Ryan Merrifield, and Bryant Tobler to the program.
“We are delighted at the class we have coming in," head coach Chase Brooks said. "Each player adds versatility, work ethic and a desire to win championships. We have improved our depth considerably and will be looking for the new faces to grasp college soccer quickly in order to contribute during their first year. We are looking forward to the six new signings making an impact on the field, in the classroom and in the community, while at NU.”
Marvin Alyas | 5’8” | 145 | F/M | Cambridge, Ontario | St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School | Toronto Lynx
Alyas comes to Monteagle Ridge by way of Cambridge, Ontario. He made an impact immediately at St Benedict’s, earning MVP honors in his first season with the club after leading the Saints in goals. His last year in high school, the Saints made the district finals. In Alyas’ four years at St. Benedict’s, he collected 38 goals and 20 assists for 99 points in 48 games played. Alyas played one season with Oakland City University in Indiana where he found success on and off the field. Marvin made the Dean’s List after netting a 3.6 grade-point average as a freshman, whole scoring six goals and four assists, helping the team to a 11-6-3 record.
"Marvin’s year of collegiate experience, along with his versatility, will allow him to be competitive from day 1 in our program," said Brooks.
Darren Cooper | 5’10” | 125 | F/M| Cicero, N.Y. | Cicero-North Syracuse High School | Empire United Soccer Academy
Darren is the newest member of the Cooper family to join the Purple Eagles, his brother Kenny Cooper is a junior on the team. Cooper excelled at Cicero-North Syracuse, scoring a combined 43 goals and 26 assists for 112 points in his junior and senior years.
"Like his brother, Darren is a dynamic attacking player that can play multiple roles for our team," Brooks said. "The Empire Academy product will be competitive from the start in our program and I am looking forward to having two Cooper’s in the attack."
Julian Ekeze | 6’0” | 171 | F/M | Brockport, N.Y. | Brockport High School | Pittsford Hawks
Ekeze joins Niagara after three productive seasons with the Brockport High School. He scored 16 goals and added 20 assists in his time with Brockport, tallying 52 career points. In his second season he was named to the All-Region Team, as well as Third Team All-State and First Team All-County.
"Julian is an athletic goal scorer who has the personality and character to make him an impact player during his time here at NU," said Brooks. "He has many tools that will allow him to push for time right away in our attack."
Keaton Levock | 6’2” | 155 | M/D | Clinton Township, Mich. | Chippewa Valley High School | CSA Michigan Wolves Academy
Levock comes to Monteagle Ridge by way of Michigan where he enjoyed success on and off the field. In the classroom, he was named to the Chippewa Valley honor roll in each of his first three years. On the field, he had a breakout senior campaign. He scored 16 goals and added 14 assists for 46 points while his team went on to a 13-3-3 record. Overall, Levock netted 27 goals and dished out 32 assists for 86 points in his three seasons at Chippewa. He was named to the All-Conference All-Academic team in both 2009 and 2011.
"Keaton Levock is an attack minded player that has the versatility to play many different positions for us," said Brooks. "With his combination of technique, athleticism and size, he will pose a threat on a number of levels. His time playing for the Crew Soccer Academy Wolves will benefit him in his jump to the college game."
Ryan Merrifield | 6’0” | 185 | F/M | St. Louis, Mo. | St. Louis University High School | St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Merrifield is another new Purple Eagle that found success on the field and in the classroom. Academically he made First Honors at St. Louis University High School with a 3.6 GPA in his junior and senior years. On the field, he scored 16 goals and 38 points in 32 games during his junior season. His senior year he scored 12 goals with 15 assists for 27 points in 21 games played.
"Ryan Merrifield is a hardworking, determined forward with a proven goal scoring record" Brooks said. "Ryan plays club soccer with the talent rich St. Louis Scott Gallagher Academy and will look to bring the experience he has gained with Scott Gallagher to NU."
Bryant Tobler | 6’0” | 165 | GK | Portland, Conn.| Portland High School | Oakwood
Tobler joins the program as a goalkeeper after a decorated career at Portland High School in Portland, Conn. This past season he backstopped his team to a 13-3-0 record and a birth to the state semifinals. His performance earned him a spot on the All-State and All-Conference teams while being named team MVP.
"Bryant has the desire and determination to be a quality goalkeeper," said brooks. "He comes to Niagara from the Oakwood Soccer Academy and has been a regular starter with their team. He will bring that experience to NU and use it to push the other goalkeepers on the squad."
