By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer announces the following players who will join the team in 2009 as the Norse seek their fourth-consecutive Midwest Region championship:

Andrew Huang, a 2007 graduate of Canton High School in Canton, Mich., joins the team as a transfer from Schoolcraft College, where he helped lead the Ocelots to the NJCAA semifinals in 2008.  Huang’s defensive work as an outside midfielder helped lead Schoolcraft to 13 shutouts last season.

“Andy’s biggest asset is his versatility to play multiple positions on the field,” said NKU head coach John Basalyga.  “He is very competitive and intelligent on the field; his enthusiasm and love of playing every day will enable him to step on the field and contribute immediately.  Our plan is for him to help fill the void of All-American Tony Ray.”

Adam Latham, a 2009 graduate of St. Dominic High School in St. Peters, Mo., led the Crusaders to a 2008 state championship, scoring the game-winning goal in the state semifinal against Pembroke Hill.  Adam scored 28 goals and added 14 assists during his prep career and was twice named to the Class 2 All-State team.

Basalyga added, “Adam’s accomplishments in high school and summer club program have prepared him to compete at the college level.  His game is centered around speed and his high work rate on and off the ball.  He will add depth to our striker position.”

Stephen McGill, a 2007 graduate of Turpin High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, comes to NKU after spending two seasons at Bucknell, seeing action in one game before injury cost him the 2008 season.  McGill scored 25 goals in three seasons at Turpin and was named to an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America after his senior season.

“Stephen has the temperament that fits our style of play,” said Basalyga, who coached at Turpin before heading up the Norse program.  “He is a smart, dependable player who loves to compete every day in training and in games.  Since transferring in January, he has become comfortable with the team and he is a welcome addition to the program.”

Shawn Parker, a 2009 graduate of Oldham County High School in Buckner, Ky., scored 63 goals and added 45 assists in 88 games during his high school career and led the Colonels offensively in two of his four seasons.  Parker helped bring the Colonels to the sectional tournament in each of his four seasons and was a four-time All-State honorable mention.

“Shawn is a very aggressive, hardnosed striker who loves to get forward and makes things happen in the penalty box,” said Basalyga.  “He has the overall athletic ability to play outside midfield or outside back.”

Hunter Robertson, a 2007 graduate of Novi High School in Novi, Mich., will also join the Norse via Schoolcraft College.  Hunter worked the back line during the Ocelots’ run to the NJCAA semifinals, helping the team post 13 shutouts and a No. 5 national ranking in 2008.  As a prep standout at Novi, Hunter led the Wildcats to back-to-back Kensington Valley Conference titles, as well as being named All-KVC.

Basalyga said of his plans for Robertson, “Hunter is going to help replace some of our needs on defense this fall.  His size and overall skill will help replace All-American Eric Ashworth in our back line.  His experience in the Junior College National tournament last fall will help to rebuild our defense.”

John Swiastyn, a 2007 graduate of Grand Blanc High School in Holly, Mich., is a third transfer to NKU from Schoolcraft College.  As a center midfielder, John posted four goals and five assists in two seasons for the Ocelots, pushing them to an appearance in the NJCAA semifinals last year.  During his high-school career, John led Grand Blanc to a pair of district finals, winning one during his junior campaign.

“John has the skill, determination and vision that will be very helpful in us controlling the midfield,” added Basalyga.  “He is a tireless worker who is always around the ball and likes to keep things moving in the midfield.  He overall experience in club and college will be instrumental to the success of the team this fall.”

The 2009 NKU men’s soccer season will begin in August.