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Berson Inks Five On National Signing Day
Men's Soccer  . 

Berson Inks Five On National Signing Day

Feb. 1, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Head Coach Mark Berson and the South Carolina Men’s Soccer program announced the addition of five student-athletes on National Signing Day Wednesday. Jared Gulden (Greenville, S.C.), Brian Munson (Greenville, S.C.), Mitchell Myers (Aiken, S.C.), Aidan O’Brien (Asheville, N.C.) and Justin Sukow (San Antonio, Texas) all signed National Letters of Intent to continue their soccer careers with the Gamecocks.

“Today marks the opening day of our signing period and we are very pleased to announce this group of incoming Gamecocks in our 2017 class,” Berson said. “We expect to expand on this class in the coming weeks. One of the key ingredients which all these players bring to us on the soccer side is versatility. We are looking for two-way players (attacking/defending) who are versatile and comfortable on the ball.”

Carolina looks to replace a talented senior class that featured seven seniors, including midfielder Danny Deakin who was recently selected by Orlando City SC in the third round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. The 2016 seniors played a pivotal role in two NCAA tournament appearances and 39 wins in four seasons.

“We lost a talented group of seniors who accomplished a lot here and laid a good foundation for this group,” Berson said. “With an excellent nucleus of returning players and these new additions, we look forward to the 2017 season.”

Jared Gulden (Greenville, S.C./Mauldin High School)

  • Son of Keith and Donna Gulden. Also has a brother, Jason, and a sister, Jaime.
  • Played club for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA) and was a part of five state championship teams.
  • Team won the U16 Region III Championship and was a U17 Region III finalist.
  • Team captain for high school squad and earned all-region honors twice.
  • High school teammates with fellow signee Brian Munson.
  • Three-year honor roll student that plans to major in business management.

Coach Mark Berson on Gulden

“Jared is a midfielder who is solid technically and has a terrific engine. He has a great work rate and exceptional fighting power. He can play effectively both in the center of midfield, wide or as an outside back.”

Click here for Jared Gulden’s full bio.

Brian Munson (Greenville, S.C./Mauldin High School)

  • Son of Joe and Jean Munson, and has one brother – David.
  • Captain for three years with CESA, playing on four state championship teams.
  • Played for squad that won the 2014 Disney Showcase and the 2014 Jefferson Cup.
  • Earned all-region honors twice at his high school and was named team defensive player of the year twice.
  • High school teammates with fellow signee Jared Gulden.
  • NSCAA Academic All-American that plans to major in business.

Coach Mark Berson on Munson

“Brian can play in any of the backline positions or in the defensive midfield. He is technically sound and organizes the game extremely well from the backline.”

Click here for Brian Munson’s full bio.

Mitchell Myers (Aiken, S.C./South Aiken High School)

  • Son of Dave and Jennifer Myers and has three siblings – Michael, Katie and Jordan.
  • Played club for CESA and was part of three state championship teams.
  • Was selected to play for an Adidas Team that traveled to Spain in the summer of 2016.
  • Four-time all-region selection for his high school squad, earning all-state honors twice.
  • Led team to lower state championship game.
  • Plans to major in business.

Coach Mark Berson on Myers

“Mitchell is primarily a defender who can play wide or centrally. He anticipates the play well and reacts well defensively and in possession. His ability to read the game will enable him to help us at a number of places on the field.”

Click here for Mitchell Myers’ full bio.

Aidan O’Brien (Asheville, N.C./Asheville High School)

  • Son of Jim and Gisselle O’Brien and has one sister – Kaylee.
  • Played club for Highland Football Club (Asheville, N.C.) grades 6-10.
  • Switched to CESA in the fall of his junior year.
  • Four-year varsity starter that earned all-state, all-region and all-conference honors at his high school.
  • Played in the East vs. West All-Star Game and the Battle of the Carolinas All-Star Game.
  • Plans to major in exercise science.

Coach Mark Berson on O’Brien

“Aidan is a midfielder whose strong suit is helping the team in possession. He is a good passer and comes forward well to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and for himself.

Click here for Aidan O’Brien’s full bio.

Justin Sukow (San Antonio, Texas/Ronald Reagan High School)

  • Son of Chris and Lisa Sukow and has one sister, Kelly, and one brother, Jason.
  • Played club for Lonestar SC where he was a team captain.
  • Team played in the USCTX Champions League.
  • Four-year letterwinner for his high school.
  • Earned first-team all-state honors and was named his team’s offensive MVP in 2016.
  • Received academic all-district honors and plans to major in sports management.

Coach Mark Berson on Sukow

“Justin is a versatile attacking player who can play both centrally and wide in the midfield. His strength is his vision and also his ability to help keep the ball in possession for his team.”

Click here for Justin Sukow’s full bio.

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