The University of Akron Athletics
Men's Soccer Adds Four to Recruiting Class
April 16 | Men's Soccer
University of Akron head men's soccer coach
Caleb Porter announced
today that four more student-athletes have announced their
intention to join the program, beginning with the 2007-08
season.
Goalkeeper Josh Pantazelos (Birmingham, Ala./Vestavia Hills),
midfielder Matt Dagilis (Akron, Ohio/Firestone) and midfielder
Cameron Carris (Green, Ohio/Green), along with transfer Enrique
Paez (Bradenton, Fla./The Pendleton School/Florida Atlantic) will
enter the program in the fall of 2007.
"We are very pleased to announce four more additions to our soccer
family," Porter said. "Each of them will be a compliment to our
current players and have the qualities to push for significant time
immediately. They all possess the total package of what we are
looking for in students, character and winning qualities. They will
fit into the culture of Akron soccer and help make an impact with
what we hope to accomplish in all aspects of the program."
They will join Anthony Ampaipitakwong (Carrollton, Texas/IMG[Fla.]
Academy), Blair Gavin (Franklin, Tenn./IMG[Fla.] Academy), Aaron
Henkle (Carmel, Ind./Carmel), Michael Nanchoff (North Royalton,
Ohio/Walsh Jesuit), and
Steve Zakuani (London,
England/Gladesmore Community School), all of whom signed National
Letters of Intent in February. This brings Porter's recruiting
class total to nine as he enters his second season.
Pantazelos was a member of the Alabama State ODP team from
2000-06. In 2006 he was named to the Region III ODP team.
Pantazelos moved to Birmingham, Ala. after his freshman year of
high school to play for the U-16 Vestavia Steamers, then coached by
current UA assistant
Dave Giffard.
Dagilis is a 2006 second-team All-Ohio selection out of Firestone
High School. The two-time first-team all-district honoree was named
the City Series Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and was also a
four-time first-team all-city selection. Dagilis has been selected
to the Ohio North ODP state team each year since 2003.
Another local standout, Carris was a teammate of fellow incoming
freshman Michael Nanchoff at Walsh Jesuit High School. He helped
guide the Warriors to the Division II state championship in 2006,
scoring nine goals and earning the Coaches Award along the way. A
four-year letterwinner in soccer, Carris was the team's leading
scorer and offensive MVP in 2004 (11 goals) and 2005 (18 goals).
Carris also played baseball and football at Walsh.
A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Paez is a transfer from Florida
Atlantic. The Pendleton School (Fla.) graduate has played his club
soccer with the IMG team alongside incoming UA freshmen Anthony
Ampaipitakwong and Blair Gavin. Paez was named the IMG U-17 Most
Improved Player in 2005, and well as Defender of the Year in 2006.
That same year he helped lead IMG to an undefeated record to claim
the Sun Bowl championship, allowing just one goal during the
tournament.
Akron continues its spring schedule this Friday as it plays host
to the Cleveland City Stars at 7 p.m. at Lee Jackson Field.
