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Berson Adds Three To Spring Recruiting Class
Men's Soccer  . 

Berson Adds Three To Spring Recruiting Class

April 6, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Head Coach Mark Berson and the South Carolina Men’s Soccer program announced the addition of three student-athletes to its spring recruiting class. Aleksander Bjerke Christensson (Oslo, Norway), a transfer from Duquesne, Benjamin Gilligan (Aiken, S.C.) and Petter Soelberg (Stockholm, Sweden) each signed to join 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) in this year’s class.

Aleksander Bjerke Christensson (Oslo, Norway/Duquesne University)

  • Son of Lars Christensson and Randi Bjerke. Also has an older brother Stefan.
  • Played club for Ullern Football.
  • Appeared in 100 career games for the club’s senior team and was voted best young player in three consecutive seasons.
  • Played four seasons (2012-15) for his high school squad, Ullern VideregÃ¥ende skole.
  • Transferring in after one season at Duquesne.
  • Started 16 of the team’s 18 games as a freshman last season.
  • Logged four shots (two SOG) for the Dukes, who went 8-5-5 overall and 3-2-3 in the Atlantic 10.

Coach Mark Berson on Bjerke Christensson

“We are pleased to welcome Aleksander into our 2017 class. He’s a proven player at the collegiate level and will bring valuable experience into our team. He is versatile, and can play at a number of spots on the field. He is also an outstanding student.”

Click here for Aleksander Bjerke Christensson’s full bio.

Benjamin Gilligan (Aiken, S.C./Aiken High School)

  • Played club for SC United 98 and earned player of the year honors on his team.
  • Three year letterwinner at Aiken High School.
  • Earned All-State and All-Region honors in 2016.
  • Named the 2016 Aiken Standard Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Coach Mark Berson on Gilligan

“Ben is a forward with good strength to hold up the ball and a good nose for the goal. He will bolster our attack with this incoming group in this class.”

Click here for Benjamin Gilligan’s full bio.

Petter Soelberg (Stockholm, Sweden/Nacka Gymnasium High School)

  • In 77 career club games, tallied 48 goals and 31 assists.
  • Played for Värmdo IF Div 2 Senior Football and Hammarby U19/U21 First Division in 2016.
  • Served as a captain for the 2016 Adidas Swedish Talent Team, an honor awarded by scouts visiting UEFA Euro 2016.
  • Played for Ipswich Town U18 and Hammarby U17 First Division in 2015.
  • Captained high school squad his final two seasons.

Coach Mark Berson on Soelberg

“Petter is an out and out attacking player who contributes in a number of places in the team. He has a great engine and dynamic attacking ability. His versatility and his attacking mentality are outstanding.”

Click here for Petter Soelberg’s full bio.

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