May 15, 2008

DENVER, COLO. - Metro State has signed 11 newcomers to play soccer for the Roadrunners beginning with the 2008 season, head coach Ken Parsons announced Thursday.

All 11 enter as freshmen. Parsons has signed Pierre Amestoy, Ri Armstrong (Aurora, Colo.), Ryan Baker, Issa Bissau (Denver, Colo.), Scott Crawford (Arvada, Colo.), Scott Grode, Oladele Johnson (Arvada, Colo.), Ryan Newlin, Paul Smith, Taylor Stone (Centennial, Colo.) and Chris Yoder.

"We are extremely excited about the addition of these 11 student-athletes," said Parsons. "With the graduation of five outstanding players, these players fill significant needs of the team and possess the characteristics we are looking for in Roadrunner soccer players. They all have the ability to be significant contributors and we look forward to their future accomplishments."

Five come from Colorado, while three players hail from Arizona, and one player comes from New Mexico, Nevada and Texas. Five are midfielders, three are defenders, two are forwards and one is a goalkeeper.

Metro State posted a 16-3-3 record and advanced to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament in 2007.

Metro State Signings
Name Position Hometown (Last School/Club Team)
Pierre Amestoy MF/F Albuquerque, N.M. (Bosque School/New Mexico Rush)
Ri Armstrong F Aurora, Colo. (Rangeview HS/Real Colorado)
Ryan Baker D Gilbert, Ariz. (Highland HS/Gilbert Arsenal)
Issa Bissau GK Denver, Colo. (Chatfield HS (Colorado Rush)
Scott Crawford MF Arvada, Colo. (Pomona HS/Colorado Storm)
Scott Grode MF/F Gilbert, Ariz. (Basha HS/Gilbert Arsenal)
Oladele Johnson D Arvada, Colo. (Pomona HS/Colorado Storm)
Ryan Newlin MF Mesquite, Nev. (Virgin Valley HS/Neusport)
Paul Smith F Dallas, Texas (Hillcrest HS/Dallas Texans)
Taylor Stone D/MF Centennial, Colo. (Cherry Creek HS)
Chris Yoder MF Gilbert, Ariz. (Mesquite HS/AZFC Hammers)