Men's Soccer Adds 12 To The Upcoming 2012 Season - UAlbany Sports 20121

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y.- Attempting to build upon a 2011 season that saw an America East semi-final appearance for just the fourth time in program history, UAlbany men's soccer head coach Trevor Gorman has announced the addition of 12 new faces for 2012. "This large class has a tremendous mix of in-state talent and international experience", said head coach Gorman on the recruiting class. "We are looking forward to the addition of these young men to our program, and to the impact they will undoubtedly have over the next four years."

Kristian Alexieff: DEF - 5'10 - 160lbs. - West Nyack, NY (Don Bosco Prep) Quick Facts: A member of two league championship teams at Don Bosco, Alexieff led the team in scoring his senior year with 15 goals and 9 assists. He has competed in the USSD Academy with both Met Oval and New York Cosmos, acting as a starting left back for both. Gorman on Alexieff: "Kit is an energetic, athletic, wide player with a great engine that will allow him to get up and down the sideline. He has trained, and played, at a very high level and just loves the game in general. I think he will be an excellent addition to our left side." Tim Allen: GK - 6'4 - 180lbs. - Brisbane, Australia (Queensland University of Technology) Quick Facts: A former member of the Australian Goalkeeping Academy, Allen comes to Albany as a transfer from Queensland University of Technology. While in high school he was a regular starter for St. Peter's Lutheran College, and currently plays for University of Queensland FC. Gorman on Allen: "Tim is a player who has all the physical tools to be a top Division 1 goalkeeper, and brings with him the experience of playing at a very good standard in his home country. We're delighted to add him to the Great Danes program." Max Aronica: MF - 5'9 - 145lbs. - Massapequa, NY (Massapequa HS) Quick Facts: A standout at Commack and Massapequa High Schools, Aronica is a multiple time all-league and all-conference performer. As a member of Commack SC, ranked as high as #2 in the country, he has helped the team to championships in the New York state cup and Disney Showcase. Aronica is also a three time state ODP selection. Gorman on Aronica: "Max comes to us from an excellent Commack team that has competed at the highest level for years. He's is a creative player with the vision to pick out good passes when he's on the ball. His technical ability in tight spaces will allow him to transition well to the college game." Phil Denara: MF - 5'7 - 140lbs. - West Islip, NY (West Islip HS) Quick Facts: As a team captain with West Islip High School in 2011, Denara was named both all-league and all-county. During his four year career he amassed over 50 points. A teammate of Aronica with Commack SC, Denara has twice won the Disney Showcase, and competed in the USYSA National League. Gorman on Denara: "Phil first impressed us at various camps last summer. He's a quick, athletic, player with good technical ability. I look for Phil to compete for a position on our right side early in his career at UAlbany." Bart DeProspo: DEF/MF - 6'2 - 175lbs. - Groshen, NY (Don Bosco Prep) Quick Facts: As a team captain in 2011, DeProspo helped lead traditional high school powerhouse Don Bosco to another successful season. He has competed with Met Oval in the USSD Academy, and currently plays with TSF Academy. Gorman on DeProspo: "Bart is a player who we saw at our camp last summer. He comes from a good soccer family, and has a tremendous work rate - enabling his success at both high school and club level. I think he will only continue to get better and will be a fantastic addition to our program." Ivan Martinez: MF/FW - 5'5 - 135lbs. - Mamaroneck, NY (Rye Neck HS) Quick Facts: Despite missing his senior season, Martinez enjoyed a highly decorated career at Rye Neck High School earning player of the year honors in Section 1 in 2010. That same year he was also named 1st Team All State. Martinez plays for FC Westchester in the USSD Academy, helping them to a division title and playoffs appearance in 2011. Gorman on Martinez: "Ivan is a dangerous attacking player who always pops up in good positions on the field. He's capable of playing multiple positions, and has the potential to transition very well to Division 1 soccer. I fully expect him to be a dynamic attacking member of our team throughout his career." Philip Persson: FW - 5'10 - 170lbs. - Norrkoping, Sweden (John Bauergymnasiet HS) Quick Facts: Hailing from Norrkoping, Sweden, Persson has been a member of the youth system at IFK Norrkoping and Smedby AIS. In the 2011 season he contributed eight goals to his team's quest to win the youth division. Gorman on Persson: "Philip is another international player who has been exposed to a good standard of play throughout his development. He has the ability to put the ball in the net, and will be an exciting attacking option. We will look forward to welcoming to UAlbany in the fall." Fabrizio Petralia: MF - 5'10 - 140lbs. - West Hempstead, NY (St. Anthony's HS) Quick Facts: As a team captain at St. Anthony's, Fabrizio tallied 15 goals and 7 assists on his way to being named an all-county selection, while helping the squad to a finals appearance. He has participated for BW Gottschee, New York Cosmos, and Albertson in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Petralia: "Fabrizio is another excellent addition to our left side of the field. He's enjoyed success at the highest level of club soccer, and will bring good vision, movement, and understanding to our team. He will certainly be in a position to make an impact upon his arrival." Sergio Petralia: MF - 5'10 - 140lbs. - West Hempstead, NY (St. Anthony's HS) Quick Facts: A teammate of his brother at St. Anthony's, Sergio produced 7 goals and 13 assists in his senior year helping his team achieve a finals appearance. He has played his club soccer for BW Gottschee, New York Cosmos, and Albertson in the USSD Academy including a playoff appearance in 2011. Gorman on Petralia: "Sergio brings numerous qualities to our team for the fall. Like his brother he understands the game, and has the technical ability to make an impact from various positions on the field. He will, undoubtedly, hit the ground running and look to contribute from day one." Luca Quinn: DEF - 6'4 - 170lbs. - New York City, NY (The Beacon School) Quick Facts: A member of the 2010 PSAL championship squad at The Beacon School, Quinn contributed 7 goals and 5 assists to that campaign and served as team captain in 2011. Having formerly competed with New York Cosmos in the USSD Academy, he now plays with Bayside Aston Villa Flames. Gorman on Quinn: "Luca is another player who came to our attention through our camp. He reads the game very well, and has an excellent touch for a player who is still growing in to his frame. I see him as a player who will only get better throughout his time here and look forward to seeing his development." Anthony Rozzano: FW/MF - 5'10 - 150lbs. - Webster, NY (Webster Schroeder HS) Quick Facts: As a senior, Rozzano scored 29 goals and led his Webster Schroeder team to the New York state championship game. For his efforts he was named the Greater Rochester Player of the Year, an All-State selection, and a NSCAA All American. Rozzano competes for Empire United in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Rozzano: "Anthony is a constant threat going forward. He's a proven goal scorer, but can also play a number of different roles within a team. His quickness, with and without the ball, will be a major asset to him at the college level. I look forward to him bringing those talents to the Great Danes." Keith Traut: DEF - 6'2 - 180lbs. - College Point, NY (Brooklyn Technical HS) Quick Facts: As captain of Brooklyn Technical High School in 2011, Traut earned an invitation to participate in the NYC Mayors Cup showcase for the top players in the area. He is a regular starter for New York Cosmos in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Traut: "Keith is a player with the size and athleticism to compete right away in college. He's benefiting from the consistent training, and matches, within the academy and is getting better every week. I look forward to that continued growth, and expect him to challenge to contribute early in his UAlbany career."