San Francisco Men's Soccer Adds Four More for the 2012 Season
Dons Welcome Joshua Smith, Jesus Del Toro, Connor Gaal and Tyler Sylvia to the Hilltop
DONS SOCIAL MEDIA HUB
May 4, 2012
(San Francisco) – San Francisco Men's Soccer is pleased to announce the signing of 6-4 defender
Joshua Smith to a National Letter of Intent (NLI) and the roster additions of 5-6 midfielder
Jesus Del Toro (Novato, CA), 6-2 goalkeeper
Connor Gaal (Newport Coast, CA) and 5-8 defender
Tyler Sylvia (Martinez, CA) to play soccer at the University of San Francisco as announced today by head coach Erik Visser.
“We are very pleased to welcome the four newest members of the Dons soccer program to the University of San Francisco,” Visser said. “When you add the talents and abilities of this group with our earlier spring signings, we have put together a strong class of newcomers.”
JOSHUA SMITH – 6-4, 200, FR. DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER (KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY/OTTO-HAHN GYMNASIUM)
Smith adds a high level of international experience as a US U-17 National Team player and an extensive background of playing club soccer at a high level in Germany where his father was stationed while serving with the United States Army. Smith competed for the U-17/U-19 Bundesliga Academy teams for Karlsruher SC.
COACH CHAMBERLAIN ON SMITH: “Joshua is a very experienced top level player who should be an instant impact for us. He has both international and US National Team experience and can play several different positions. He adds both experience and talent to our center back and center midfield positions.”
JESUS DEL TORO – 5-6, 135, FR., MIDFIELDER (NOVATO, CA/SAN MARIN HS)
Del Toro enjoyed a strong prep career at San Marin High School and captured first team All-State, All-CIF, All-MCALS and team MVP honors under the direction of head coach Jorge Sandoval. Del Toro scored four goals and added five assists for the Mustangs. A standout club player, Del Toro competed for the Marin FC under the guidance of Daniel Chamberlain. A strong student, Del Toro plans to major in Biology.
COACH CHAMBERLAIN ON DEL TORO: “Jesus is a fantastic local prospect coming up through both Novato Youth Soccer as well as Marin FC. He is a creative attacking midfield player who can also play up front or out wide. Jesus is a very technically gifted and physically tough player who we expect to challenge for playing time right away.”
TYLER SYLVIA - 5-8, 155, FR., DEFENDER (MARTINEZ, CA/ALHAMBRA HS)
A four-year letter-winner at Alhambra High School, Sylvia has turned in a strong prep career for the Bulldogs under the direction of head coach Mark Eitelgeorge. A three-time All-DFAL selection, Sylvia has served as team captain and captured team MVP honors since his sophomore season.
A standout club player, Sylvia competed in the Diablo FC club system under the guidance of former Don standout defender Chris Rodd and former MLS Don Marquis White. Sylvia helped the club win the Surf Cup, the San Francisco Cup and the Nor Cal Regional Academy League State Premier championships. A standout in the classroom, Sylvia plans to major in entrepreneurship and innovation.
COACH CHAMBERLAIN ON SYLVIA: “Tyler joins the Dons after being coached by two Dons standouts (Chris Rodd and Marquis White). He knows all about what it takes to be successful at USF, and we are very excited to have him. Tyler is a very tough and athletic player who can play both as an attacking or defensive wide player.”
CONNOR GAAL – 6-2, 185, FR., GOALKEEPER (NEWPORT COAST, CA/CORONA DEL MAR HS)
Gaal turned in a standout prep career at Corona Del Mar High School and helped the Sea Kings to Pacific Coast League championships, Southern Section CIF titles and Regional CIF hardware under the direction of head coach George Larsen. A highly decorated player, Gaal earned all-league, All-CIF Southern Section honors and was named the team defensive player of the year. A versatile athlete, Gaal also lettered in lacrosse and basketball.
Gaal spent five seasons in the Slammers FC and one year with the Pateadores Academy U-17-18 squad. Gaal helped the Slammers win the National U-16 Club Championship.
COACH CHAMBERLAIN ON GAAL: “Connor is an exceptional athlete who should add instant competition to our goalkeeping position. Having only played the position for a few years, he has already established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in Southern California and we are very excited about his prospects for the future.”
