Men’s Soccer Announces 2014 Recruiting Class
ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany men’s soccer head coach Trevor Gorman announced the addition of four student-athletes to the men’s soccer roster for 2014 on Monday. Gorman adds two defenders, one goalie and one forward all from New York State.
“We are adding four players with outstanding potential,” said Gorman. “Each of these young men has impressed us throughout the recruiting process, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to the UAlbany family.”
Jake Barros: F | 6-1 | 180 | Selden, N.Y./Newfield
Quick Facts: A four-year starter for Newfield, Barros scored 18 goals as a senior and was named All-Region, All-State, All-Long Island, and was his league’s MVP in 2013. He was a member of the Lake Grove United club team that advanced to the Regional Championship in 2013 after winning the Eastern New York State Cup.
Gorman on Barros: “Jake is a dynamic attacking player. He has a nose for goal, and is the type of guy that will fit in well with the way we try to play. We’re looking forward to getting him in to our group and watching his impact.”
Chris Hettler: D | 6-1 | 160 | Smithtown, N.Y./Smithtown West
Quick Facts: A member of the Smithtown Arsenal club soccer team, Hettler was a part of the squad that won the 2013 USYS National Championship, and the 2014 USYS National League. 2013 marked the team’s second trip to nationals in three years having won the Region I championship in 2011 and 2013, as well as the Eastern New York state championships in the same years. Hettler was also named a 2013 All-Long Island selection following his senior season with Smithtown West.
Gorman on Hettler: “Chris is an outstanding technical player able to play on either side of the field. He comes from a winning environment in both high school in club soccer that we expect to have prepared him well to play at this level.”
Garrett Sweeney: D/M | 5-11 | 155 | Smithtown, N.Y./Smithtown West
Quick Facts: A 2013 All-Long Island selection, Sweeney joins his club teammate Hettler in coming to UAlbany from the Smithtown Arsenal club team that won the 2013 USYS national championship. In addition, he helped the team with the 2014 USYS National League, the 2013 and 2011 USYS Regional titles, and the 2011 and 2013 Eastern New York State Championships.
Gorman on Sweeney: “Garrett is a versatile player capable of impacting a team in a number of positions. He’s had a lot of success throughout his youth career and we’re confident that experience will aid him in making the transition to the college game. We’re excited to have him work in to our group.”
Daniel Vitiello: GK | 6-1 | 195 | Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa
Quick Facts: Vitiello comes to UAlbany having led both his high school and club teams to state championships in 2013. He captained Massapequa to the state championship and was named the MVP in the team’s tournament run, earning 13 shutouts and conceding just 6 goals in 19 games all season. Vitiello’s club team, Massapequa Arsenal, won the Eastern New York State Cup for the second time in three years.
Gorman on Vitiello: “Danny is a big, athletic, goalkeeper who’s enjoyed a lot of success at the club and high school level. He has a number of positive qualities that have helped him play a major role in his team’s success. We’re excited to see that continue here at UAlbany in the coming years.”
Barros, Hettler, Sweeney and Vitello will join a Great Danes squad that returns 18 letterwinners and nine starters from the group that advanced to the America East semifinals a season ago.
