Athletics

Men's soccer welcomes eight newcomers

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Back-to-back Big Ten title winners Penn State men's soccer announced the addition of eight newcomers for its 2014 team on Tuesday. Fifth-year head coach Bob Warming brings in four freshmen and four transfers to Happy Valley.

"It's a basic truth in soccer that good players want to play with other good players and want to go to places where championships are being won," Warming said. "We are thrilled with this incoming class of players and that they came to Penn State to play with other good players and win championships. I believe they are all here to help us win more Championships and get a World Class education."

Included in the recruiting class are transfers Riley Grant (Copley, Ohio), Brett Gravatt (Dunn Loring, Va.), Brian James (Sunrise, Fla.) and Brandon Savino (Glen Ridge, N.J.). Grant and Gravatt will be sophomores this season following their first collegiate seasons at Akron, while James is an incoming junior by way of Virginia. Savino enters his junior season following two years at St. John's.

Four freshmen will feature for Warming and the Nittany Lions this season. Defenders Dani Marks (Ra'anana, Israel), Ryan Gallagher (Pine Bush, N.Y.) and Jake Garrigan (State College, Pa.) bolster Penn State's back line, while Noah Pilato (Oak Hill, Va.) provides midfield depth.

"I especially want to thank our great assistant coaches on helping get this class wrapped up," Warming added. "Chad Duernberger's work with everyone has been essential and Michael Behonick has gotten off to a great start helping us finish this class and plan effectively for future classes. We all feel like we now have one of the best environments in the United States for players to develop. Student-athletes know they can have it all here: an opportunity for an incredible education and an opportunity to play at the highest level of collegiate soccer." 

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Last Updated July 11, 2014

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