DAYTON, Ohio – University of Dayton men’s soccer Head Coach Dennis Currier has announced the additions of David Abidor, Max Odgaard, Ryan Peterson, Greg Enstone and Amoh Kwaku for the 2011-12 school year.

“Overall, we are excited about our 2011 class.  We were more specific this year on our needs after adding such a large class in 2010,” Currier said.  “Our biggest area of improvement is our scoring capability and depth in our back four.  Each of these student-athletes has the skills to make an immediate impact with our squad.  Their preparation over the next seven months will dictate how successful they will be.”
 
Abidor joins Dayton after competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and in prep soccer for Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minn. A defender, Abidor helped Shattuck to the US Youth Soccer National Championship Match last July. In 2009, Shattuck claimed first place in the Disney Showcase. Abidor has also enjoyed success in the club ranks. In 2009, his Chicago Magic team finished second and in 2008 the Sockers FC won the Dallas Cup.

“David is a very versatile and can play anywhere in the midfield or back four.  He is technically sound, very composed under pressure and has an exceptional soccer IQ,” Currier said.

Odgaard is a Top 150 Recruit (No. 146, College Soccer News) from Indianapolis, Ind. and plays for Cathedral High School. Odgaard, a forward, helped his team to the 2010 IHSAA Class 4A State Championship match while racking up 64 points (30 goals, four assists) on the year. Odgaard’s numbers also helped him earn all-state, city and district honors during his senior season. In addition to his achievements on the field, he is also an honors student at Cathedral. Odgaard spent three seasons in the Indiana Olympic Development Program, while earning a National Championship in 2008 with the Indiana United.

“Max is a target striker with excellent size and tremendous scoring capabilities.  He has been well coached at Indiana United and has the offensive tools to be an effective striker,” Currier said.

Peterson broke a St. John’s Jesuit High School record in his final year with the Titans. Peterson tallied 27 goals and 18 assists last fall to set a school record in goals scored in a single season. That mark broke his junior year record of 22 goals and nine assists. For his efforts, Peterson earned second team all-state and first team all-district in his senior year. In his junior year he was selected first team all-district. Peterson played three seasons of club soccer for Pacesetter and helped guide his team to a third place finish in the Midwest Regional League in 2010.

“Ryan is an attacking player that can be utilized up top or in the midfield.  He is a blue-collar player with good pace and a knack for scoring goals,” Currier said.

Enstone, an Essex, England native, played for St. Thomas More High School prior to his time at UD. In his senior year of high school he tallied 36 goals. Enstone was also a champion the 200 meter sprint. He started at center back for the London City FC Youth Team.

“Greg has the capability to feature anywhere in the back four or up top.  He has an excellent work ethic, good in the air, strong tackler and very intelligent,” Currier said.

Kwaku is a transfer from Ghana. He played forward for the Golden Boys Soccer Club and was voted the best student in high school. Kwaku is a graduate of Sefwi Wiawso Senior High in Sefwi Wiawso, Ghana. He attended the same university as former Flyer and current Rochester Rhino (USL) Isaac Kissi.

“Amoh is a forward with excellent pace and exceptional movement off the ball.  He has a strong history of scoring goals and will add a dynamic dimension to our attack,” Currier said.
 
Dayton finished the 2010 campaign with a 7-8-3 record and a 3-4-2 record in the A-10. The Flyers return 22 players from last year’s squad.