Men's Soccer Announces Five Commitments For 2005 Season
February 25, 2005 | Men's Soccer
Joining the Pirates next season will be David Levine (Charlotte, N.C.), Levi McNeall (Lumberton, N.C.), Zach Matthews (Greensboro, N.C.), Patrick Tate (Charlotte, N.C.) and Reece Thomas (Covington, La.).
David Levine, 6-4, 200, Forward, Charlotte, N.C. (Providence High School)
A four-year letterwinner that played for coaches Bob Bowen and Paul Churchgard ... Helped lead the Panthers to the Southwestern 4-A Conference Championship in 2002 ... As a senior, was named team captain and collected all-conference honors in 2004 ... Recorded 15 goals and 20 assists as a senior and finished with 39 career goals ... Four-time Honor Roll recipient ... Played club ball for the Charlotte Soccer Club.
Coach Benn's Comments:"David is a physical presence that can play in many different spots for us. He is dominant in the air and a handful for defenders to deal with. His experience with Charlotte SC will help him adjust to Division I soccer."
Levi McNeall, 5-8, 160, Midfielder, Lumberton, N.C. (Lumberton Senior High School)
A two-time all-conference selection for the Pirates at midfield ... Lead Lumberton to a second place finish in the Two Rivers Conference in 2004 ... In his senior campaign, was first-team all-region selection that scored 18 goals and collected 25 assists for coach Kenneth Simmons ... As a junior earned All-Cape Fear Region Best of the Best honors and also garnered second-team all-region honors ... Was a two-time participant in the State Games for the North Squad ... Member of the Beta Club.
Coach Benn's Comments:"Levi is a crafty midfielder with good technical skills. He has tremendous vision which will help our midfield next fall. He certainly has the ability to help our attack."
Zach Matthews, 6-2, 170, Midfielder, Greensboro, N.C. (Page High School)
A three-year letterwinner for coach Mohamed Jaziri ... Helped lead the Pirates to a pair of regular season Metro 4-a Conference Championships in 2003 and 2004 ... As a senior earned first team all-state, all-region, all-area and all-conference honors ... Named team captain as a senior ... Finished senior campaign with 11 goals, 13 assists and tied a school record for most goals scored in a game with four ... Took home first-team all-region, all-area and all-conference honors as a junior ... Played club ball for the '86 Greensboro Green coached by Carl Flemming ... In four years, he helped the Green to four state finals, three championships (Tampa Bay Sun Bowl - 2002, Region III Premier League - 2003 & 2004), participated in two Disney Soccer Showcases (2003-04), and was a two-time regional qualifier (2004-05) ... Also played two years of ODP soccer (2002-04). P>Coach Benn's Comments:"Zach had been the starting left back for Greensboro SC, one of the best teams in Region III. His big game experience will serve him very well in the transition to Division I soccer. Zach's combination of skill and size will enable him to compete for playing time right away."
Patrick Tate, 6-1, 175, Midfielder, Charlotte, N.C. (South Mecklenburg High School)
A four-time letterwinner in soccer and swimming for the Sabres ... Helped guide South Meck to a 22-3-1 overall record as a senior ... Scored 12 goals and 17 assists and was named Team MVP as a senior ... Is a two-time all-state, all-region, all-conference and All-Mecklenburg performer ... Also garnered All-Charlotte Observer honors as a junior ... As a swimmer guided the Sabres to the 2003 state title ... Named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students" four times.
Coach Benn's Comments:"Patrick will come in and compete in the back for us. He is very good in the air and is a true competitor. We expect Patrick to do very well during his career at ECU."
Reece Thomas, 6-2, 185, Forward, Covington, La. (Jesuit High School)
An all-state, all-district and All-Parrish performer for the Blue Jays as a senior ... Has guided his team to a 29-0-2 record which includes a district title and a berth in the state championship game ... Scored the game-winner in a 1-0 win in the state semi-final game ... Scored 18 goals and eight assists as a senior ... Led Jesuit to a No. 3 nationally ranking by NSCAA.
Coach Benn's Comments:"Reece is a tremendously athletic forward who we expect to help us right away. His club and high school teams both competed at a very high level. We got to know Reece very well at our summer camp and think he will have an impact on our program."
