By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team announces the following players who will join the Norse for the 2009 season:

Cody Covert, a 2009 graduate of Eastern High School in Louisville, Ky., was a four-year starter for the Eagles, scoring 27 goals and adding 39 assists in 67 games.  Covert earned All-District honors during his junior season and was named an All-State honorable mention after his 2008 campaign.

Eric Froschauer, a 2009 graduate of Ryle High School in Union, Ky., was the Northern Kentucky Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 after posting a 40-point season (15 goals, 10 assists).  Froschauer was also named to the ESPN Rise All-Great Cincinnati team and an NSCAA All-Region performer.

Jordan Grant, a 2009 graduate of Mason High School in Mason, Ohio, earned first-team All-Greater Miami Conference honors after netting five goals and adding seven helpers during his senior season.  In 2007, Grant led the Comets to a regional tournament appearance.

Ryan Grothaus, a 2009 graduate of Milford High School in Milford, Ohio, racked up 35 goals in 40 games over his last two seasons with the Eagles, taking All-Fort Ancient Valley Conference honors each season and All-State honors in 2008.  Grothaus will become the first second-generation NKU soccer player, following in the footsteps of his father, Alan Grothaus, who played for the Norse from 1982-84.

Matt Olix, a 2008 graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School in Hornell, N.Y., transfers in from North Carolina Wesleyan, where he saw two games of action last year.  Twice named an All-Great Rochester honorable mention, Olix notched 43 goals and 20 assists in 40 games during his prep career while leading the Eagles to a 38-2-2 record over his last two seasons.

Taylor Spradling, a 2009 graduate of Fairfield High School, earned a 10-4-4 mark at goalkeeper for the Indians.  Spradling made 41 saves and posted three shutouts while maintaining a 1.2 goals against average.

Along with the six previously released signees, NKU head coach John Basalyga has brought in 12 players to add depth to a Norse team that seeks its fourth consecutive NCAA regional championship.

The 2009 NKU soccer season will begin in August.