Men's Soccer

SIUE Men's Soccer Signs Up New Cougars
         (EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's soccer coach Ed Huneke bolstered his lineup with fresh faces eager to continue the Cougars' success.
         SIUE has signed Grant Landon (St. Louis), Jarius Holmes (O'Fallon), Robert Ridder (Quincy) and Nicholas Frasca (St. Charles, Mo.) to national letters of intent. Huneke said he also expects to add transfers Tim Collico (St. Louis) from Missouri-Kansas City and Mike Zaegel (St. Louis) from Michigan State, both of whom have enrolled at SIUE.
         "In addition to winning, I enjoy attractive soccer, and these players will help bring that about," said Huneke.
         Landon, a forward, set the career record for points at Marquette High School. Landon scored 13 goals, added 13 assists and won the "Best Offensive Award" two years in a row.
         "Grant has a good combination of deception and aggression," said Huneke.
         Holmes, who played at O'Fallon High School under former Cougar defender Jason Turkington, was the Belleville News-Democrat Player of the Year and a two-time All-State selection in soccer. Holmes scored 20 goals and added 12 assists in his senior season for the Panthers.
         "Jarius is fast, dynamic and recognized as one of the best in the state of Illinois," said Huneke.
         Ridder, was an All-State forward at Quincy Notre Dame High School. He finished second all-time in points and goals for Quincy Notre Dame, which averaged 18 wins over the past three seasons. Ridder also is a two-time state qualifier in tennis.
         "Robert has flair coupled with statistical impact," said Huneke.
         Frasca, a 5-foot-10-inch goalkeeper from St. Charles West High School, recorded 101 saves and a 0.78 goals against average in his senior season. A member of the 2003 Olympic Development Program, Frasca also an All-State selection.
         "Nick is technically superior and is fun to watch," said Huneke.
         The Cougars finished last season 16-4-1 with a school-record three All-Americans. SIUE has averaged more than 15 wins a season over the past three years.
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