The UCSB men’s soccer team has completed its 2009 recruiting class with the additions of Michael Nonni (West Vancouver, BC), Josue Madueno (Castroville, Calif.) and Stephen Boyle (Phoenix, Ariz.), it was announced today by head coach Tim Vom Steeg.
The trio will join 10 other newcomers – five junior college transfers and five incoming freshman – when training camp kicks-off on Aug. 15.
“Our concern going into the fall was to strengthen our defense and to add attacking players.” Vom Steeg said. “Josue Madueno and Michael Nonni are two very talented attacking players who we believe can contribute immediately offensively. Stephen Boyle will add a physical play in the back that we were missing in last year’s team.”
Michael Nonni comes to Santa Barbara from West Vancouver, British Columbia. The 5’10” forward played at the Canadian National Team Training Centre and spent four years with the Vancouver Selects. He won a National Championship – and earned all-tournament team honors – while playing with the Selects in addition to winning a Provincial Championship and three Coastal Cup Championships.
“Michael has a style of play that most resembles Pontius’. He can carry the ball, hold off defenders and is very good around the box. We are obviously hoping he is able to contribute goals right away for us,” Vom Steeg said.
Josue Madueno hails from Castroville, Calif. and plays for the U-18 Santa Cruz Country Breakers. Madueno was one of 72 players invited in to the Under-18 National Team camp this past January. He competes in the USSF Academy League where his team recently qualified for the Academy League finals series.
“Josue is the best dribbler of the ball that we have recruited since Eric Avila.” Vom Steeg said. “Because of his ability to beat defenders off of the dribble he will see time for us both as a wide player and up front.“
Stephen Boyle comes to UCSB from Phoenix, Ariz. He is a member of the Arizona Olympic Development Program team and has played with S.C. Del Sol and Sereno Soccer Club. While with Sereno, Boyle helped his team to two Far West Regional League titles and an appearance in the finals of the 2009 Region IV. He reached the state tournament quarterfinals while playing for Barry Goldwater High School.
“The last physically dominant left fullback we had in the program was Tony Lochhead. In the same mold as Tony, Stephen is left footed, big, strong, physical and is very good going forward. He will be a dominant college player and we were fortunate to be able to get him this late,” Vom Steeg said.
Prior to the addition of Nonni, Madueno and Boyle, UCSB’s 2009 recruiting class was ranked 11th in the nation by Soccer America. In College Soccer News’ Preseason Top-30 poll, the Gauchos are ranked No. 19 in the nation.
“We have done very well with recruits that have come late, such as Luis Silva and Chris Pontius,” Vom Steeg said. “We are hoping that plays out again this year.”
The 2009 season will open on Aug. 22 with a scrimmage against cross-town foe Westmont at Harder Stadium. UCSB’s home schedule includes two nationally televised home games against Rutgers (Sept. 11) and Indiana (Oct. 2). For the complete schedule, click here.
