Feb. 6, 2006

The men’s soccer program has announced a group of 10 student-athletes who have committed to continue their academic and soccer careers at the University of South Carolina. A highly-touted group, the class includes four National Soccer coaches Association of America (NSCAA) adidas All-Americans, two USYSA Youth National Team Players, one StudentSportsSoccer.com All-American, four adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) participants, two adidas ESP all-stars and three high school state players of the year.

“Our staff is very pleased with this class,” head coach Mark Berson said. “We’ve addressed all of our needs positionally and many of these players have the versatility to play in a number of spots. We’re very pleased with the athleticism, as well the soccer experience that this groups brings into the Carolina program. We’re really excited to get this group on campus with our players and begin work in August.”

Biographical sketches, comments from head coach Mark Berson and quotes from each of the current commitments are included below.

2006 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA MEN'S SOCCER COMMITMENTSMario Burstein, MF/D, Marietta, Ga. (George Walton High School)Andrew Evans, MF/F, Cayce, S.C. (Brookland-Cayce High School)Trey Foster, MF, Fort Mill, S.C. (Fort Mill High School)Jamal Geathers, F, Aiken, S.C. (South Aiken High School)Cory Lewis, MF, Alpharetta, Ga. (Chattahoochee High School)Brian Przybyla, D, Sumter, S.C. (Sumter High School)Schuyler Reardon, F, Aiken, S.C. (Aiken High School)Sam Roca, D/MF, Wayne, N.J. (Wayne Valley High School)Jeff Scannella, Alpharetta, Ga. (Northview High School)Mark Wiltse, MF/D, Belle Mead, N.J. (Montgomery High School)

Mario Burstein
5-10, 150, MF/D
Marietta, Ga. (George Walton High School)

A four-year varsity starter for coach Bucky Boozer at George Walton High School … Helped his prep team to the state semifinals in 2004 … A National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America (NSCAA) high school All-American … adidas Elite Soccer Program invitee and participant … Competed in club soccer for the Concorde Fire Elite and coach Mark Thornton, serving as a team captain for five years … Helped the Concorde Fire Elite to the Region III finals in 2003, the Raleigh Showcase Championship in 2004 and the Disney Soccer Showcase Championship in 2005 … Competed for the Georgia State Olympic Development Team 2002-2005 and the Region III Team in 2002, 2003 and 2005 … Parents are Fernando Burstein and Kathy Johnson … Born March 2, 1988 … Plans to major in advertising at USC.

Mario Burstein on Choosing South Carolina: “I chose to attend USC because of Coach Berson’s history of winning and producing great players like Josh Wolff.”

Coach Berson on Mario Burstein: “Mario is a tremendous competitor and an outstanding leader. He has been the type of individual that has led every team that he’s been a part of. He’s very quick, has excellent timing in the tackle and is a very good distributor of the ball. He’s equally comfortable in midfield or in the back, and that versatility is a huge plus.”

Andrew Evans
5-10, 140, MF/F
Cayce, S.C. (Brookland-Cayce High School)

Played for coach Kevin Heise at Brookland-Cayce High School … A 2006 team captain … Selected the 2006 Gatorade South Carolina State Player of the Year … Earned NSCAA All-America honors and All-South Region honors in 2005 … Also named the NSCAA’s South Carolina State Player of the Year in 2005 … An all-tournament selection at the 2005 Palmetto Cup … Named to The State’s 2004-05 all-area team … Brookland-Cayce’s 2004-05 Offensive MVP … Ranks 10th all-time in scoring at Brookland-Cayce heading into his senior season … Has scored 113 points on 46 goals and 21 assists during three seasons … Helped B-C to the 2005 3A Region 4 Championship … Competed in club soccer for the Columbia Soccer Club Burn Navy … Also played on the South Carolina Olympic Development Team 2003-2005 … Member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Scrabble Club … Parents are Randy and Maggie Evans … Born Aug. 11, 1988.

Andrew Evans on Choosing South Carolina: “I selected USC because it’s one of the best places in the country for college soccer and is just minutes from my hometown. My grandfather has been a lifelong Gamecock fan and it has always been a dream of mine to play for South Carolina and make him proud. I grew up watching USC play at The Graveyard and after attending summer camp there during high school, I realized that this was the place for me.”

Coach Berson on Andrew Evans: “Andrew is an explosive attacking player that can be effective in the midfield or up front. He has good acceleration and is very good in the air in attacking situations around the goal mouth. As Andrew gains experience at the college level, he will be a significant contributor in our attack.”

Trey Foster
5-5, 140, MF
Fort Mill, S.C. (Fort Mill High School)

A four-year varsity letterwinner at Fort Mill High … Played for coaches Denny Saverance and Lloyd Chalker … As a sophomore, earned all-conference and all-area honors and finished second on the team in scoring … Named to the all-region team and was nominated for All-State as a junior after leading the team in scoring and assists … Also competed for the Charlotte Soccer Club and the Carolina Elite Soccer Association … Led Charlotte Soccer Club team in scoring 1999-2003 and served as team captain in 2003-2004… Member of the South Carolina Olympic Development Team and attended Region III camp in 2005 … Competed for the North Carolina Olympic Development Team in 2001 and 2002 … Elected President of his Senior Class … Attended Palmetto Boys State in 2005 where he was elected to run for Lt. Governor … Elected Beta Club officer, voting member of the School Improvement Counsel and a member of the Honor Roll … Attended the Lead America Conference on Defense, Diplomacy and National Security in Washington, D.C. … Parents are Samuel and Chandra Foster … Father is a member of the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina … Born Aug. 20, 1988 … Plans to major in engineering at USC.

Trey Foster on Choosing South Carolina: “Throughout my childhood, I have been influenced by watching my father serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina. Since he is also a graduate of the University, one could say that I was born a Gamecock. I love and support all things Gamecock related, and I cannot wait to attend the University of South Carolina.”

Coach Berson on Trey Foster: “Trey is a quick and technical flank player with a great work ethic. He plays from penalty area to penalty area. Trey is explosive and is able to create good chances in the attack by breaking down defenses on the flank.”

Jamal Geathers
6-0, 168, F
Aiken, S.C. (South Aiken High School)

A 2005 adidas Elite Soccer Program Invitee and All-Star … Earned first-team All-America honors from StudentSportsSoccer.com in 2005 … Scored the game-winning goal as South Aiken captured the 2005 State Championship, played at USC’s Stone Stadium … United States Youth Soccer Association Region III Team (2004-2005) … Selected to the All-State team in 2003, 2004 and 2005 … Member of SCsoccer.com’s All-State Super 18 Team in 2004 and 2005 … Played club soccer for the Aiken Fire, which won the State Championship in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 … The Fire also captured the Region III Championship in 2002 and finished as runner-up at Nationals in 2002 … 2005 High School Sports Report State Player of the Year … 2005 High School Sports Report All-State team … High school teammate of current Gamecock goalkeeper Mike Gustavson … Born Nov. 5, 1987.

Jamal Geathers on Choosing South Carolina: “USC is a great fit for me because I believe it is a school where I can be successful academically, compete for a National Championship and play for a coaching staff that I’ve known for years.”

Coach Berson on Jamal Geathers: “Jamal is one of the most explosive and dynamic players coming out in the class of 2006. He’s got great quickness and acceleration. He can strike a ball very well with either foot. He has a nose for the goal. He led his high school team to the state championship in 2005. Jamal will be one of the exciting attacking players in college soccer.”

Cory Lewis
6-0, 165, MF
Alpharetta, Ga. (Chattahoochee High School)

Played for Leslie Meenan at Chattahoochee High School … Served as a varsity captain 2004-2006 … Named to the all-area team and garnered team MVP honors in 2005 … Received the Cougar Award in 2005 and the Coach’s Award in 2004 … Also earned the Athletic Academic Award 2003-2005 … Helped Chattahoochee High to the regional championship in 2003 and 2004 … Competed in club soccer for the Concorde Fire Elite and coach Mark Thornton … Helped the Concorde Fire Elite to the Region III finals in 2003, the Raleigh Showcase Championship in 2004 and the Disney Soccer Showcase Championship in 2005 … The Concorde Fire also won the Georgia State Cup Championship 2000-2004 … Competed for the Georgia state ODP team, 1999-2004 and was a member of the Region III pool in 2003 … Also participated in Spanish Club, DECA, FBLA and served as the Chattahoochee High School webmaster … An honor roll student who will study in the USC Honors College … Parents are Patricia Morse and Michael Lewis … Born May 22, 1988 … Plans to major in business economics at USC.

Cory Lewis on Choosing South Carolina: “USC has a great soccer program with a long tradition of excellence and a bright future. Playing at this strong of a program at a great southern university is too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

Coach Berson on Cory Lewis: “Cory was one of the most effective , right-sided attacking players we saw in the entire class of 2006. He has good vision, excellent skill and technical ability, and serves the ball very well from the flank. He’s also shown the ability to come forward and score goals. Most of all, he’s a very intelligent player and maintains possession of the ball very well in the attacking third of the field.”

Brian Przybyla
6-1, 163, D
Sumter, S.C. (Sumter High School)

Enrolled at USC for the 2006 spring semester … Played for coaches Russell Shelley and Damon Hubert at Sumter High … Played club soccer for the Columbia Soccer Club (CSC) and coach Thad Miller … Helped CSC to a runner-up finish at the 2004 State Championship … Competed in the Olympic Development pool from 1998-2004 … North/South Selection in soccer … Named to the SCsoccer.com All-State Super 18 team and the High School Sports Report Elite 13 team … Scored 76 goals and registered 42 assists … Also played football and golf at Sumter High … Earned Special Teams MVP and all-area honors in football … Member of the Spanish Club … Parents are Lawrence and Carol Przybyla … Born July 17, 1987 … Majoring in sport and entertainment management.

Brian Przybyla on Choosing South Carolina: “I chose USC because I felt that I could help this team win games. Also, the school is very well-known for its academics and that is always a plus. The coaching staff at USC is definitely one of the best in the nation.”

Coach Berson on Brian Przybyla: “Brian is equally adept at the forward and center back positions, where he has played extensively for his club and high school teams. Initially, we will work with Brian in the back as a defender. He has good range and speed. He’s very tenacious in the tackle and is good distributing the ball coming forward.”

Schuyler Reardon
6-1, 180, F
Aiken, S.C. (Aiken High School)

Played for Coach Roger Carpenter at Aiken High School … An All-Region selection in 2004 and 2005 … Named the team’s Offensive MVP in 2004 and 2005 … Has scored 60 goals and logged 63 assists during his last three seasons … Helped Aiken High to the Upper State Finals in 2004 and Region Championships in 2004 and 2005 … Competed in club soccer for the Aiken Fire and coach Justin Rhodes … The Fire won the South Carolina State Championship 2001-2003, captured the Region III Championship in 2002 and finished as runner-up at Nationals in 2002 … A member of the South Carolina Olympic Development (ODP) team 1998-2002 … Also ran cross country and was a standout kicker on the football team … Played club soccer with current Gamecock goalkeeper Mike Gustavson … In football, made the Aiken Standard All-Area team in 2004 and 2005 and Augusta Chronicle All-Area team in 2005 … A member of Young Life … Served as a Student Council Representative and on the Senior Executive Committee … Parents are Ken and Deirdre Reardon … Father played in the Canadian Football League … Grandfather, Kenny Reardon, was an NHL standout during the 1940s, won two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966 … Born Feb. 19, 1988.

Schuyler Reardon on Choosing South Carolina: “I chose the University of South Carolina because I like the coaching staff, it’s close to home and I have several former teammates who are already playing there.”

Coach Berson on Schuyler Reardon: “Schuyler is an exceptional athlete with excellent size, speed, range and a great nose for the goal. He has a powerful shot with either foot and he’s very good in the air. Schuyler has all the tools to be a real force in the attack.”

Jeff Scannella
5-8, 150, MF
Alpharetta, Ga. (Northview High School)

Selected an National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) of America high school All-American 2003, 2004 and 2005 … Played for the U.S. U-15 National Team in 2002 …Part of the U.S. National Team residency program 2003-04 … Invited to and participated in the prestigious adidas Elite Soccer Program in 2005 … Played for Tony Cianciola at Northview High School … Named the 2005 Fulton County Player of the Year …Also selected the 5A Player of the Month in March, 2005… Earned team MVP honors in 2005 … Helped Northview achieve its first ever state ranking in 2005 … Played club soccer for Atlanta Fire United and coach Massoud Roushandel … Team won the Georgia State Championship 2002, 2003 and 2004 … Member of the Super Y Region Team in 2003 and 2004 … Played for the Georgia State Olympic Development team 2001-2005 … Member of the Region III Team, 2002-2006 … Member of the National Honor Society … Born Aug. 13, 1988… Parents are Charlie and Susan Scannella.

Jeff Scannella on Choosing South Carolina: “I chose South Carolina because it will provide me with great scholastic and athletic opportunities that will help achieve future goals.”

Coach Berson on Jeff Scannella: “Jeff is one of the most dedicated, hard-working players that I’ve had the opportunity to come across in a long time. He lives and breathes the game. He’s an exceptionally talented left-sided player who can play both in the midfield or in the back. He has a great work ethic, outstanding skill and a never-say-die attitude.”

Sam Roca
6-1, 175, D/MF
Wayne, N.J. (Wayne Valley High School)

Named the Player of the Year by the New Jersey State High School Coaches’ Association … Earned first-team All-State and Regional All-America honors … Also garnered first-team all-county and all-conference honors twice … Selected to the All-Bergen Record first team and the All-Herald News first team … Recipient of the 2005 Commitment to Excellence for Wayne Valley High School … Played for Dan Kilday at Wayne Valley … A four-year varsity starter and two-time team captain … Helped Wayne Valley qualify for the state playoffs twice and win over 80 percent of its games during his four years … Competed for coach Stan Lembryk on the MetroStars club team … Helped the MetroStars to the 2003 and 2005 Super Y League National finals … Team also won the Metro Conference in 2003, 2004 and 2005 …Four-year member of the State of New Jersey Olympic Development Team … Volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne … Involved in other school and church activities … Parents are Barbara and William Roca … Born March 15, 1988 … Plans to major in pre-law at USC.

Sam Roca on Choosing South Carolina: “I chose to attend USC because of the great combination of academic and athletic tradition. I look forward to representing the University in our quest to win the national championship.”

Coach Berson on Sam Roca:
“Sam is a big, strong, no-nonsense central defender with tremendous anticipation and defending qualities. He’s strong in the air, excellent in the tackle and reads the game very well. He’s also a very good coming forward with the ball and starting the attack.”

Mark Wiltse
6-0, 155, MF/D
Belle Mead, N.J. (Montgomery High School)

Spent 2003-04 in residency with the U.S. program in Bradenton, Fla. … A part of the youth U.S. National Team from 2002-2005 … Selected an National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America (NSCAA) All-American in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 … Named to the U.S. Youth Soccer All-America (1988 age group) team in 2006 … Invited to the prestigious adidas Elite Soccer Program in 2004 and 2005, earning All-Star honors both years … Aslo appeared on ESPN SoccerNet.com’s Top 15 ESP Players in 2004 … Played for Shaun McCulkin at Montgomery High School … Served as team captain and collected team MVP honors during his senior year … Also earned all-conference, all-county and All-State recognition … Helped Montgomery High to the county finals in 2004 and the sectional semifinals in 2005 … Competed for coach Sam Nellins and the PDA Cantona club soccer team, which won the New Jersey State Championship 2002-2005 and made it to the Regional semifinals in 2005 … Played on the Region I Olympic Development Team, 2002-2006 … Also competed in basketball and lacrosse while in high school … Served as CYA Group Leader and as a Community Service Project Coordinator … An Honor Roll student … Born May 29, 1988 … Parents are George Wiltse and Sunny Wiltse … Plans to major in business at USC.

Mark Wiltse on Choosing South Carolina: “From the start, my impression of the University of South Carolina was that it had a friendly, positive environment conducive to learning and developing intellectually and personally. The soccer coaches, students, faculty and administrators I met further reinforced my decision to attend USC. Most importantly, the soccer coaches and soccer team had a tremendous impact on my decision to attend USC. I felt that the team was positioned to win an NCAA Championship. Everything at USC seems to support that goal. Finally, the great academic reputation of the Moore Business School was important in choosing USC.”

Coach Berson on Mark Wiltse: “Mark is one of the most versatile players to come out of the class of 2006. He’s very comfortable on the ball under pressure, and versatile in the number of positions he can play on the field. He’s tough in tackle, reads the game exceptionally well and has good instincts as a defender. He will help us both in the midfield and on the back line.”