Appalachian State University men’s soccer head coach Matt Nelson announced the signing of six freshman for the upcoming 2015 season.

“I am extremely excited about adding this year’s signing class to our current crop of players,” said Nelson. “As a team, we have been steadily improving over the past two years and with this group of highly touted players we are ready to take the next step necessary in the development of our program.”

“The most exciting part about this group is not just how much ability they will add to the team on the field, but the character and leadership they possess that will also add to what we are building off the field as well. This might be one of the most complete recruiting classes we have signed since I have been a part of the Appalachian State men’s soccer program.”

Daniel Avila • 5-8 • 145 • Midfield • Smithfield-Selma High School
Nelson’s Take: “Danny brings excellent technical ability that, when combined with his tremendous understanding of the game, can unlock defenses and help us create multiple scoring opportunities.“

High School: A midfielder from Smithfield, N.C., Avila was an all-conference selection as a junior and senior, while also being an all-region pick his junior year. As a member of TFCA 96 Alliance, Avila ranked in the top 150 players in his high school class by College Soccer News. He was a three-time state cup champion (2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14). In 2014, Avila was a Region III finalist and a Disney Showcase champion. Rated as a four-star recruit in the 2015 Boys IMG Academy 150 Player Pool. He is the #124 recruit in the nation, according to College Soccer News.

Ian Bennett • 5-11 • 170 • Midfield • New Hanover High School
Nelson’s Take: “Ian has the ability to become the engine of our team. His work rate is extremely high and he brings an excellent ability to break up plays and become a top player at the collegiate level.”

High School: A midfielder from Wilmington, N.C., Bennett was an all-conference player his junior and senior seasons, while earning all-region both of those years, as well as, all-state as a senior. Bennett earned team MVP and appeared in the All-Star East-West game and the Clash of the Carolinas. He scored 15 goals and tallied 13 assists and amassed 43 points in his high school career. Bennett was member of Triangle Futbol Club Alliance 96 and was a state champion and regional finalist in 2014.

Jamir James • 5-9 • 172 • Defender • Charlotte Catholic High School
Nelson’s Take: “Jamir will add an extremely athletic option for us at outside back. He is a prototypical modern fullback that can add to the attack and become a shut-down defender when needed.”

High School: A defender from Charlotte, N.C., James played high school soccer his senior year and scored three goals, while being a participant in the N.C. state high school playoffs. James is a member of the Carolina Rapids Developmental Academy. He has played academy level soccer for three years, and was a participant in the Dallas Cup, Disney Showcase and Academy Showcase.

Caleb Moore • 5-4 • 140 • Midfield • Northwestern High School
Nelson’s Take: “Caleb will add an attacking option that can play anywhere through the midfield, he possesses the strength and technical ability that would improve any program in the country.”

High School: A defender from Rock Hill, S.C., Moore played high school soccer at Northwestern High School. He was also a member of South Carolina Battery club team. Moore is rated as a four-star recruit in the 2015 Boys IMG Academy 150 Player Pool. He is also ranked as the No. 65 recruit in the nation, according to College Soccer News. He is also a Top 150 Recruit on Top Drawer Soccer.

Christopher O’Grady • 6-0 • 170 • Forward/Midfield • Weddington High School
Nelson’s Take: “A technical striker that has a the ability to score from anywhere in the final third. His movement is fantastic and he will consistently find himself in good situations because of this. He will help us add to our attacking ability next year.”

High School: A forward/midfielder from Matthews, N.C., O’Grady enjoyed an extremely decorated high school and club soccer career. O’Grady was a member of the NCSCA men’s all-star team, while being named first-team all-Observer in 2014. He helped lead his team to a school record 22 wins in a single season. O’Grady set the school record for goals (31) and assists (26).

His team was No. 1 on the Sweet 16 soccer poll for eight weeks. O’Grady was the team captain, while earning all-conference, all-region and all-state honors. He was named Union County Player of the Year and was ranked No. 4 by MaxPreps in the state. As a junior, O’Grady scored 18 goals and tallied 15 assists en route to all-conference and all-region honors. O’Grady is currently a member of Carolina Rapids Developmental Academy.

Raheem Somersall • 5-11 • 175 • Midfield • Southern School of Energy and Sustainability
Nelson’s Take: “Raheem brings size, strength and mobility to our team. His composure on the ball will add to our teams ability to maintain possession and his ball winning capabilities will add a dimension when we are looking to win it back.”

High School: A midfielder from Durham, N.C., Somersall has been a four-time all-conference player (4A Pac-6 and 3AA Big-8). In 2014-15, Somersall was a all-state and all-region selection, as well as, Big-8 Conference Player of the Year. He earned team MVP in 2011 and 2013 and received the offensive award in 2012. Somersall finished his career with 30 goals and 23 assists. Somersall was a member of Triangle Futbol Club Alliance. He was an ASL All-Star team selection in 2013 and earned 2013 ASL All-Events team. Member of 2014 NCYSA regular season and state champion team and U.S. Region III finalist squad. Orginally from the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts and Nevis, Somersall was a member of the U-17 National Team in 2012 and received a U.S. Soccer Training invite in 2013.

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