June 15, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina men’s soccer signees Eric Martinez (D/MF – 6-2 – 180 – Fort Mill, S.C. /Providence Day) and Alex Long (GK – 6-3 – 200 – Cary, N.C./Green Hope) have been named to the 2009 PARADE All-America High School Boys Soccer Team, as announced by the publication in its Sunday, June 14, edition. The PARADE All-America High School Boys Soccer Team was founded in 1979, and has featured several athletes that have played at the collegiate and professional levels.

“We are pleased to see Eric and Alex recognized on the PARADE All-America team,” South Carolina head men’s soccer coach Mark Berson said. “Both young men have excelled in the classroom and on the soccer field, and they are most deserving of this award. Eric and Alex are tremendous athletes and great competitors. They will certainly have an impact on our team going forward. “

The reigning North Carolina state player of the year, Martinez was also named an ESPNRISE.com All-American, an NSCAA Adidas High School All-American, and is listed by ESPN.com (RISE Magazine) as one of the top 10 recruits in the country. Martinez is a member of the U18 U.S. Men’s National Team, plays with the Region III ODP (Olympic Development Program) and has earned numerous all-conference, all-region and all-state honors during his prep career.

Long also earned NSCAA Adidas High School All-America honors, while he also garnered all-state accolades during his prep career. He is a member of the U18 U.S. Men’s National Team, is a member of the Region III ODP team and plays club soccer for the CASL Chelsea FC Academy.

South Carolina begins its 2009 season in late August with an exhibition contest at Stone Stadium against High Point University. Continue to visit www.GamecocksOnline.com throughout the summer for the latest news on South Carolina Athletics.