VMI's Ben Freakley Selected as NSCAA National Diploma Instructor

Men's Soccer VMIKeydets.com

Men?s Soccer Announces 2008 Recruiting Class

LEXINGTON, Va.-VMI men's soccer coach Ben Freakley has announced the signing of ten recruits to the freshman class of 2008. The ten new players are one more than Freakley and his staff recruited last year, signaling the continuing forward momentum of the VMI men's soccer program. Just as they did last season, the future Keydets hail from all part of the United States, including Virginia, Arizona, North Carolina, and California.

Coach Freakley offered his thoughts on the incoming players: “The 2008 class features a great balance of skillful players and impressive athletes. We have added experienced players, from both the East and West Coasts. They will all be excellent VMI Cadets, as several have demonstrated excellent leadership abilities already, and two will be taking an ROTC track here at VMI. All of these players will be good additions to our team, not just because of their soccer skills, but because of their personal character and professionalism.

They understand the goals we have for the VMI men's soccer program, and they will be a great part of those goals going forward. Each of these young men understands the goals and expectations we have for the program, the commitment level it takes to play here, and the proud traditions of the Virginia Military Institute. Our staff, our current team, and these future players all understand that we are working towards a Big South Championship. It is an exciting time for Keydet Soccer, and we welcome these players into our program with great excitement and expectation.”

Dallas Disbro ? Forward ? Cornelius, N.C.:

Named to two separate all-state teams his senior season ... was an all-conference selection all four years at Concord ... current school single-season record holder with 41 points in 2007 ... selected and went on Soccer-Mission Trip to Brazil with the Elite Charlotte Eagles 2006 ... was Vice-President of Student Council and member of MU Alpha Theta.

From Coach Freakley ? “Dallas brings energy and passion to the soccer field. He is a smart player, with good technical skills and the ability to beat opponents one-on-one. He is confident, positive, and will work well in our system of play.”

From Dallas Disbro - "I chose to play soccer for VMI because of what it stands for, its great reputation, and the chance to play for a quality up-and-coming Division I program."

Adrian Dominguez ? Goalkeeper ? Fairfax, Va.:

Goalkeeper for one of the top-ranked clubs in Northern Virginia, a team which is a former NCSL champion and state semi-finalist ... was invited to train with Scottish professional team Rangers FC ... represented U.S. based United Soccer Academy as the starting goaltender at the 2007 International Soccer Festival in Watford, England ... three-year letterwinner at Robinson High in Fairfax, Va.

From Coach Freakley ? “Adrian has impressive size and strength, as well as good hands and good distribution ability. He is a determined goalkeeper that has had a great deal of experience playing at a high level, and playing at this level will make him even better.”

From Adrian Dominguez - "“After visiting with the staff from the school, coaches, and players from the team, I knew this was a special place. The history here, and the professional attitude of the soccer program was impressive. I know it will make a real difference in my future to have been both a VMI cadet and soccer player."

Jacob MacIntyre ? Midfielder ? Virginia Beach, Va.:

Captain of soccer team senior season ... was team MVP and leader in goals scored ... first-team All-District during freshman and sophomore campaigns ... played for Virginia Rush Nike Premier team past two seasons, helping them finish third in the VCCL, and reach the state quarterfinals ... was member of National Honor Society junior and senior seasons.

From Coach Freakley ? “Jacob is a first-class athlete who can score goals that not many other players would even attempt. He is a fun player to watch, and will make things happen in games because of his optimism and athleticism.”

From Jacob MacIntyre -“I have always dreamed of playing Division I soccer, and VMI is a perfect fit."

Cameron Murray ? Goalkeeper ? Richmond, Va.:

Led Deep Run High School to two straight Colonial District titles and two Central Region semi-final appearances ... named second-team All-Colonial District 2006 ... member Richmond Strikers Academy team in ?07-08 ... competed at Disney 2006 U.S. Club's Soccer Championships ... member Richmond Strikers Super Y '89 team, led team to national playoffs ... received prestigious West Point Society of Richmond's Award for Leadership in 2007.

From Coach Freakley ? “Cameron has been a Keydet all his life, as he has a rich family tradition here at VMI. He is a committed goalkeeper who plays for an excellent team. His experience, in addition to his ability to communicate and organize from the back, will make him a great addition to our team.”

From Cameron Murray - "I chose VMI over other university soccer teams because of the quality of the soccer program. I look forward to competing for a conference championship as well as receiving an excellent education."

Brandon Norem ? Forward ? Phoenix, Ariz.:

East Sky Region Player of the Year in 2007, playing for Arcadia High School ... team captain and leading goal scorer (35) only season playing in high school ... played for Arcadia Blackhawks from 1997-2008 ... 2007-08 first team All-Region.

From Coach Freakley ? “Brandon is a very competitive, athletic player, and has scored many goals in his career. He has great pace, giving him the ability to get behind defenders to create goal-scoring chances.”

From Brandon Norem - "I chose to play soccer at VMI because I love the school and the sport. I want to continue my soccer career at the highest level, and VMI will give me that chance."

Brandon Gary ? Defender ? Richmond, Va.:

Co-Captain of high school team junior and senior seasons at Deep Run High School ... high school teammate of fellow signee Cameron Murray ... 2005-08 All-Colonial District second team selection ... chosen to play on VCCL select team at Dallas Cup in 2004 ... member of Beta Club ... plans on majoring in International Studies.

From Coach Freakley ? “Brandon is a solid player. His technical ability, tactical understanding, fitness level and mental ability make him a very steady player who has the ability to change the game. He is an excellent defender that never backs down, has the capability to score goals coming forward, and is an on-field leader.”

From Brandon Gary - "First, the reason I chose to play for VMI is because I have great respect for Coach Freakley, and what he is passionately doing for VMI's soccer program. Secondly, I am excited to say that I will get to be a part of the future growth of this team."

Andrew Self ? Wide Midfielder ? Orange, Calif.:

Offensive MVP, leading goal scorer, and assist leader at Mater Dei High School in 2006 and 2007 ... All-Trinity League Honorable Mention ... played for West Coast FC in Coast Soccer League's premier bracket ... competed in San Diego Surf Cup and Nomads tournaments ... member of California Scholastic Federation and National Honor Society.

From Coach Freakley ? “Andrew loves to have the ball at his feet. You can see his love for the game, and that he has dedicated himself to being a very skillful player. He has great, exciting one-on-one ability in the wide areas of the field, and promises to be a fun player to watch.”

From Andrew Self - "I chose to commit to VMI because it offers a chance to fulfill my dream of playing Division I soccer at a high quality program, while receiving top ROTC training and one of the best educations in the country."

Amir Shihata ? Midfielder ? Virginia Beach, Va.:

Team MVP freshman and sophomore years at Salem High School ... first-team All-District, All-Tidewater, Eastern Region, and All-State both junior and senior seasons ... only player to repeat both years on the All-Tidewater team ... named one of the ten most exciting players to watch in the Tidewater region.

From Coach Freakley ? “We are getting an experienced, exciting player in Amir. He wants to win and is very motivated to play here at VMI. He also has great versatility as a player, which will make him dangerous at any position.”

From Amir Shihata - "After meeting with the coaches, the staff, and the players, it will be a pleasure to attend VMI. It is a great school academically, and I know I am going to have a great time with the team. I can imagine myself accomplishing a lot of my goals on and of the soccer field. A person with an imagination has wings and right now, I feel like I can fly."

Zaher Shihata ? Defender ? Virginia Beach, Va.:

Member of district championship team freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons ... Eastern region champions 2005 and 2006 ... team won State Cup in '06 ... squad prevailed in the Virginia ODP tournament in 2007 ... participated in Nike Friendlies California Academy Showcase Maine Regionals.

From Coach Freakley ? “Zaher is a very hard-nosed defender. He is strong with his challenges both on the ground and in the air. In addition, he is comfortable under pressure and is a good one-on-one defender. He comes from an excellent club and understands the professionalism that NCAA Division I soccer requires.”

From Zaher Shihata - "VMI is a school of dedication and hard work, and I am ready for the challenge on and off the field."

Stewart Wilkinson ? Defender ? Asheville, N.C.:

Four-year All-Conference selection ... three-year All-Region choice ... finished his career at Fred T. Foard High as the school's all-time leader in goals scored ... played for several teams in the club ranks, helped them to great success including a USL Super Y League National Title, a Disney Showcase title, and a Tampa Sunbowl finals berth ... also participated in North Carolina ODP from 2002 to 2007 ... member of National Society of High School Scholars.

From Coach Freakley ? “Stewart is a very serious player, who possesses good athleticism and experience playing in the back. He is a solid defender that also has the ability to come forward, and that helps him fit well within our system.”

From Stewart Wilkinson - "I chose VMI because of the rich history and the professionalism of the Institute and the soccer program. I know that the atmosphere of the Institute, and the opportunities it will give me throughout my life, are something that I look forward to."
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