Feb. 7, 2008

The Loyola Marymount University men's soccer team has signed eight players to National Letters of Intent, Head Coach Paul Krumpe announced Thursday. Phil Da Silva, Roger Downes, Alex Greenman, Kyle Johanson, Artur Jozkowicz, Tyler Krumpe, Logan McDaniel, and Jordan Thorn will all enter LMU as freshmen and don the crimson and navy in fall 2008.

"Our main focus of this recruiting class has been to bring in attacking players who score goals," Krumpe said. "This season, maybe more than any other, it was essential for us to recruit players with the athletic ability to create and score goals for LMU from day one. I think we have certainly accomplished that goal. We also have added a very good central defender and a very active defensive midfielder."

A forward from Moraga, CA, Phil Da Silva (6-0, 170 lbs) led Miramonte High School to the CIF-North Coast Section 2A Championship in 2005 and to the semifinals in 2004 and 2006. Da Silva was also a member of Mustang Soccer Club, the 2007 U-17 Cal North State Champions. A four-year member of the 1990 Cal North ODP team, he also was selected to the Region IV 1990 ODP Pool and was named to the USL Super Y League National Team in 2005 and 2007.

On Da Silva, Krumpe stated, "Phil is a dynamic and very hard working forward who will be successful in a variety of systems of play. He has a great sense of the game and will be very dangerous for us."

Roger Downes (6-1, 175 lbs), a central defender from San Clemente, CA, starred at national power Santa Margarita Catholic High School and will follow in the footsteps of former Eagle players Patrick Lane and Steffen Canty as a member of the LMU soccer family. He currently plays for the Surf U-18, which is a member of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program. In 2007, he helped lead his U-17 Surf Soccer Club Team to the Cal South National Cup Championship and the Region IV Far West Regional League Title. In helping lead Santa Margarita to CIF-SS Division I Championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007, he was named Second Team All-Serra League in 2007.

"Roger should challenge to be a starter from day one," Krumpe said. "He is a solid, steady, and physical center back. He has a great soccer pedigree coming from the Surf and Santa Margarita and these experiences will immediately pay dividends here at LMU."

Alex Greenman (6-1, 170 lbs), a left midfielder/defender from Greenwood Village, CO, prepped at Cherry Creek High School. A two-time team captain in 2006 and 2007, he was selected as First Team All- Centennial League in both his junior and senior seasons. He currently plays for the Real Colorado U-18 team, which also participates in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program. Prior to this, he was a member of the Real Colorado National U-17 team, winning the 2007 Region IV Championship and placing third at the United States Youth Soccer National Championships in 2007. He is also a member of the 1990 Colorado State Team that advanced to the semi-finals at the 2007 Region IV ODP Championships.

"Alex is extremely athletic and very fluid in his movements on and off the ball. He is an exceptionally quick player and is very dangerous when he is running at defenders. He will add a great option as a left-sided player," Krumpe said.

Hailing from San Anselmo, CA, Kyle Johanson (6-1, 175 lbs) is a midfielder/defender who starred at national power Marin Academy. A member of both the 1991 Cal North ODP team and the Region IV ODP Pool, he helped lead his Marin FC 1991 team to the 2007 Surf College Cup Championship. He tallied 57 goals and 27 assists while helping lead Marin Academy to back-to-back CIF-NCS Class A Championships in 2006 and 2007 and was named All-Bay Cities League West in 2006 and 2007 and the BCL Player of the Year in 2007. Johanson was also named the 2007 Marin Independent Journal Player of the Year, as well as being named to the 2007 NSCAA High School All-American Team, the same accolade bestowed upon current Lion Rafael Baca.

In assessing the impact of Johanson, Krumpe stated, "KJ is comfortable anywhere on the field. He is creative enough to play at the top of our attack, he is athletic enough to cover the ground as a midfielder, and he is physical enough to play as a defender. The real challenge will be finding him the best fit in terms of a set position for us. He has been instrumental in the achievements of Marin FC and Marin Academy and this success will immediately pay dividends here at LMU."

Artur Jozkowicz (5-9, 160 lbs), a forward/attacking midfielder from Santa Monica, CA, is a member of the Santa Monica United U-19 team and Santa Monica High School, which was ranked #1 in the nation in 2008. Jozkowicz had 22 goals and 15 assists as he led Santa Monica High School to the Ocean League title in 2007 and 2008. A two-time All-Ocean League selectee, he was also named the Ocean League Offensive Player of the Year in 2007.

"Artur has some special qualities on the ball and should add a great deal of quality to our attack," LMU assistant coach Michael Erush said.

Another talented goalscorer, Tyler Krumpe (5-11, 165 lbs) from Torrance, CA, prepped at West Torrance High School and is a member of the member of Pateadores Soccer Club team that is widely regarded as one of the top U-19 teams in the United States. A three-sport athlete, Krumpe won twelve varsity letters in football, track, and soccer. Krumpe had 15 goals this season as he led West Torrance High School to their third CIF-SS Division II berth in three years. A four-time member of the Cal South 1989 ODP team, he helped lead Cal South to a Second Place finish at the 2005 ODP National Championships. He was also selected to the 2007 NSCAA Spring High School All-America Team, was chosen to attend the adidas ESP program in 2006 and 2007 and is a three-time member of the Region IV 1989 ODP teams.

When asked about impact of Krumpe, LMU Associate Head Coach Matt Mennell responded, "Tyler is one of the most athletic players in the entire country. His pace and ability to stretch defenses will add a dynamic element to our team."

A left midfielder/forward from Palmdale, CA, Logan McDaniel (5-10, 160 lbs) prepped at Quartz Hill High School, where he was named All-Golden League in 2007. He played his club ball for the U-19 Barcelona DMS 11, the 2007 U-19 Premier League Champions in the Coast Soccer League.

"Logan McDaniel is a super quick left-footed player who brings a great deal of skill, flair, and creativity to our team in a forward or wide midfield role," Krumpe said.

Jordan Thorn (5-8, 155 lbs) from Bakersfield, CA, comes to LMU from Garces Memorial High School. A versatile player who can fit in as defender or midfielder, he played club soccer for the Alta Loma Arsenal U-17 team. "Jordan Thorn is a player who adds a vast amount of bite and work rate to our team in a defensive midfield role. I expect him to really push our midfield corps for a spot in our first eleven right from the get go," Krumpe said.

When asked about the impact he hopes this 2008 recruiting class will have, Krumpe said, "These young men make up a very large and a very talented class. They have the potential to really make an indelible mark here at LMU in terms of their character and their play. They will blend in very well with the style of play and the core group of players we already have in place. Our goal in 2008 is to win the WCC Championship and return to the NCAA College Cup. This class will be instrumental in achieving this goal next year and for the years to come."