Eastern’s men’s soccer has announced its first seven recruits for next season.

Head coach Adam Howarth said the recruits include Jim Adee, Nick Bonacker, Ari Horing, Jeff Kupiec, Evan Philpott, Buddy Swartz and Chris Pearson.

“It’s tough to make judgments on people that haven’t done anything yet, but they’re all very qualified, quality players,” Howarth said. “Most of these players have got at least All-Sectional, if not All-State credentials, these guys have all played at good levels.”

Adee was the Northern Illinois Conference and area assists leader as a senior in 2005. He led his team to the IHSA state title game as team captain.

Adee earned All-State honors from both the Chicago Tribune and Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association. Adee is also a five-year member of the Olympic Development Program, helping guide his squad to a championship in 2004. Howarth believes Adee is a student of the game and has the flexibility to play multiple positions.

“I definitely expect some competition to get some time in.” Adee said. “I’d like to get into the starting lineup by the end of the season, when it counts around the conference tournament time.”

Nick Bonacker was named captain of the St. Louis Post Dispatch’s All-Metro Team after earning South Suburban Conference Player of the Year honors. He was a three-time First Team All-SSC selection, and his Lou Fusz club team won three consecutive state titles from 2000-02. Bonacker was also recently chosen to represent the South Boys Team in the 2006 Missouri Athletic All-Star Game.

Ari Horing finished his prep career as the all-time goals leader in Hyman Brand Academy history, scoring 81 times in 50 games. He played on the 2005 U.S. National Maccabiah Youth Soccer Team that took fifth place at the Israel International games. Horing’s BV Stars club team was a two-time Kansas State Cup finalist.

Kupiec played for former Panther Jimmy Harkness on the Midwest United club team. As team captain and leading scorer in 2005, he led his squad to a berth in the state-title round. Kupiec earned All-Area honors from the Daily Southern and Star Newspapers as well as All-Sectional recognition from the IHSSCA.

Philpott also earned All-State honors from both the Chicago Tribune and IHSSCA as a senior in 2005. He was named All-Central State Eight Conference MVP last fall.

“Coach Howarth is very close to his players, and I knew once I saw how much he was there for his players that I’d want to go there and play for him,” Philpott said.

Swartz was a two-time All-Catholic League selection the last two seasons while leading Mt. Carmel to a 2005 league championship. He was named the 2004 Defensive MVP while serving as team captain. Swartz played for Jimmy Harkness on Midwest United as well.

Pearson, a native of Great Britain, captained Emmanuel to a berth in the National Cup semi-finals and also helped his Durham County FA squad to a Northern Countries League championship. He was the Under-17 Player of the Year for his Redheugh club team.

“We have a lot of guys returning, but I certainly do expect a lot of these guys to start to contribute,” Howarth said. “It’s going to be interesting because they are going to put some pressure on the current starters, it’s going to make for a very intense preseason.”

Sophomore midfielder Mick Galeski breaks away with control of the ball in the second half of the Oct. 30, 2006, game at Lakeside Field against Vanderbilt. Galeski will be returning in the fall with the new recruits for next season.

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