Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com
Men's Soccer Announces 2016 Signees
2/8/2016 10:54:00 AM | Men's Soccer
DavidsonPhotos.com
DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Davidson Wildcats recently added eight newcomers to the 2016 men's soccer squad, as announced by head coach Matt Spear.
Coach Spear's Comments
"We are excited about adding these eight young men to the team's brotherhood and to the program's tradition driven by Pride, Passion, and Progress. Welcome to their families too. The class has breadth with all positions represented. These guys are hungry to grow, compete and impact. Special thanks to coach/recruiting coordinator Greg Dalby for his help nurturing these players' interest. And our upperclassmen give a key, positive contribution to host and interact with our recruits."
Charlie Caswell
Club: Colorado Rush
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
High School: Lakewood
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 160
Coaches' Comments
"Charlie can open up the opponent and has the ability to slow down or speed up the game as needed in the middle and attacking thirds of the field."
Notes: IB program... High honors all four years... Grandfather played college soccer at Dartmouth.
Why Davidson: Davidson had the best combination of soccer and academics and was in a good location.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: They want to play good soccer. They play possession style of soccer and pass the ball well. That is the style of soccer I have been taught and hope to continue in college.
Favorite actress: Scarlett Johansson
Favorite movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite TV show: Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Favorite book: No Country For Old Men
Favorite musical artist: The Killers
Favorite sports figure: Mesut Ozil
Favorite Quote: "Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." (Bruce Lee)
Most treasured possession: My hammock
Jon Creel
Club: FC Alliance
Positions: Winger, Forward
High School: Christian Academy of Knoxville
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 150
Coaches' Comments
"Jon has the ability to set up and score goals from different areas on the field. He likes to take players on 1v1 to whip in crosses, play penetrating passes, or go to goal himself."
Notes: High School Junior season 42 goals, 16 assists and Tennessee Gatorade player of the year runner up... NASA science club invite...Spanish club president, mu alpha theta club...Brother Ryan plays soccer for Kentucky.
Why Davidson: I chose Davidson because it offers academics that will challenge me greatly along with a great soccer experience.
Davidson will make me better because... I will be training with elite competition everyday.
Potential academic focus at Davidson: Pre-Med
Favorite actor: Will Ferrell
Favorite TV show: Parks and Rec
Person in history I would like to meet: Abraham Lincoln
Best advice received was... Trust the Lord with your decisions
Advice to kids today: Start working hard at a young age
John Dale
Club: Seattle Sounders
Positions: Central Midfielder, Right Defender
Hometown: Seattle, WA
High School: Roosevelt
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 160
Coaches' Comments
"John comes from one of the nation's best club environments and that seasoning adds to his instincts as a vocal, intense winner."
Notes: National Honor Society President... 2nd Place WA State Bio Expo, Project on Waterborne Illnesses in Kenya...Father was two-time NCAA Tournament player for Harvard.
Why Davidson: The combination of integrity-driven people, a superb liberal arts education and an outstanding soccer program. Davidson is committed to the growth of the whole human being.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: I am excited about Davidson's excellent soccer program, dedicated coaches, and motivating team environment. I am excited to see the potential reach of the team as we compete in the competitive A10 and against teams from around the country.
Favorite actress: Jennifer Lawrence
Favorite book: The Heart of a Warrior
My ESPN highlight would be: One on one with the keeper I purposefully give and go with the goal post to get by the keeper and score.
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: Council of Carthage
Advice to kids today: Believe half of what you hear and half of what you see and you'll get the picture.
Greatest influences in my life... School, the bus, the soccer field, my dinner table, my desk and my bed.
Louis Evans
Club: Wellington Phoenix FC
Position: Defender
High School: Christchurch
Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 185
Coaches' Comments
"Louis is tough, a leader, and a very good passer with both feet. He brings a degree of professionalism and international flavor to our team."
Notes: Christchurch Boys' High School - Gold Scholar - First in Class Year 11...Top Scholar Prizes in Cambridge English, Geography... New Zealand National Talent Soccer Center...Father Centre Back, Oxford United, New Zealand national team...Grandfather Centre Back, Crystal Palace.
Why Davidson: A combination of the soccer opportunity (coaches, players, facilities, match schedule), the reputation for Davidson being an outstanding academic institution, and the team culture.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Dedicated and strong coaching staff, intensity and enjoyment of the players in the training sessions I watched during an official visit, the strong match schedule, playing on terrific grass pitches.
Favorite actor: Leonardo Dicaprio
Favorite movie: Django Unchained
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be: African wild
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: Brazil winning the world cup for third time with Pele.
Favorite Quote: "Worse things have happened at sea"
People would be surprised to know... Australian and Kiwi accents are not the same.
Sawyer Gaffney
Club: Richmond United
Position: Goalkeeper
High School: Collegiate
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 195
Coaches' Comments
"Sawyer's size and drive provide two key traits. His desire and work ethic are supreme, and that's essential for freshman keepers to adjust and learn."
Why Davidson: I chose Davidson because it will challenge me, while providing me with the opportunities and resources to succeed.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Davidson soccer affords me the chance to compete at the highest level, with a group of guys that will become my family. Competing day in and day out, it's that hustle I look forward to.
Favorite movies: Miracle & Step Brothers
Favorite sports figure: Tim Howard
Hobby: Gardening
If stranded on a deserted island, I would like to be with: My twin brother Draden
People would be surprised to know... I box
Malcolm McCabe
Club: Texans SC Houston
Position: Left Defender
High School: Klein
Hometown: Spring, TX
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 145
Coaches' Comments
"Malcolm is a quick, smooth, cultured left back. He's good technically and cuts through defenses as he loves to join the attack with pace."
Notes: National Honor Society...Top 5% in Class... Competed in Manchester United Premier Cup in Manchester, England in 2013...Attended US Soccer Training Centers 2012-present
Why Davidson: I knew this was the school from the moment I first stepped on campus. I loved how Davidson provided a strong academic program as well as a tight-knit soccer program.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Playing in the competitive A10 conference as well as playing in front of my peers.
Potential major at Davidson: Economics
Favorite TV show: Impractical Jokers
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be: Tokyo
Best moment of athletic career: Committing to Davidson
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: The Invasion of Normandy
Favorite Quote or Motto: "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity" (Albert Einstein)
Ned Morrissett
Club: Charlotte Soccer Academy
Positions: Midfielder, Forward
High School: Charlotte Country Day
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 162
Coaches' Comments
"Ned has been on our radar for many years as a camper and excellent local player. He makes good link-up decisions and he puts himself in great goal scoring situations."
Notes: Four-year academy starter, team captain for senior season, leading scored sophomore and junior year...Grandfather/namesake attended Davidson.
Why Davidson: The sense of community and togetherness among the student body is what really makes Davidson appealing to me. The camaraderie and community that I've felt during my time on campus shows me that I will be part of something greater than myself.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: The program excites me because I feel as if there is a goal and a vision that this team has to be the very best. I know I'm going to be surrounded by coaches and teammates who truly love the game.
Favorite actor: Steve Carell
Favorite author: Mark Twain
Favorite book: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Favorite musical artist: Chance the Rapper
Pre-Game ritual: One square of a Hershey Bar for good luck
Best advice received was... Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed
Jaylen Thompson
Club: Virginia Rush
Position: Winger
High School: First Colonial
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 145
Coaches' Comments
"Jaylen changes the game with his pace. He will give us the ability to stretch teams from wide areas and get in behind and closer to goal."
Notes: National Honor Society...High School Junior season 12 goals,20 assists, 2nd Team All State...
Why Davidson: I chose Davidson because I appreciate the Honor Code system, the small class sizes, and the campus.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Brotherhood. I'm confident that I will have a great support group as soon as I begin my freshman year, I'll be surrounded by guys who will push me athletically and academically. The schools that we play are some of the best in the country.
Favorite actor: Kevin Hart
Favorite musical artist: Drake
Favorite sports figures: Sergio Aguero and Steph Curry
People would be surprised to know... I was born on a military base in Tokyo, Japan.
Favorite Quote: You get out what you put in.
Advice to kids today: Find out who you are and stick to it. Don't let other people negatively change you.
DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Davidson Wildcats recently added eight newcomers to the 2016 men's soccer squad, as announced by head coach Matt Spear.
Coach Spear's Comments
"We are excited about adding these eight young men to the team's brotherhood and to the program's tradition driven by Pride, Passion, and Progress. Welcome to their families too. The class has breadth with all positions represented. These guys are hungry to grow, compete and impact. Special thanks to coach/recruiting coordinator Greg Dalby for his help nurturing these players' interest. And our upperclassmen give a key, positive contribution to host and interact with our recruits."
Charlie CaswellClub: Colorado Rush
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
High School: Lakewood
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 160
Coaches' Comments
"Charlie can open up the opponent and has the ability to slow down or speed up the game as needed in the middle and attacking thirds of the field."
Notes: IB program... High honors all four years... Grandfather played college soccer at Dartmouth.
Why Davidson: Davidson had the best combination of soccer and academics and was in a good location.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: They want to play good soccer. They play possession style of soccer and pass the ball well. That is the style of soccer I have been taught and hope to continue in college.
Favorite actress: Scarlett Johansson
Favorite movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite TV show: Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Favorite book: No Country For Old Men
Favorite musical artist: The Killers
Favorite sports figure: Mesut Ozil
Favorite Quote: "Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." (Bruce Lee)
Most treasured possession: My hammock
Jon CreelClub: FC Alliance
Positions: Winger, Forward
High School: Christian Academy of Knoxville
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 150
Coaches' Comments
"Jon has the ability to set up and score goals from different areas on the field. He likes to take players on 1v1 to whip in crosses, play penetrating passes, or go to goal himself."
Notes: High School Junior season 42 goals, 16 assists and Tennessee Gatorade player of the year runner up... NASA science club invite...Spanish club president, mu alpha theta club...Brother Ryan plays soccer for Kentucky.
Why Davidson: I chose Davidson because it offers academics that will challenge me greatly along with a great soccer experience.
Davidson will make me better because... I will be training with elite competition everyday.
Potential academic focus at Davidson: Pre-Med
Favorite actor: Will Ferrell
Favorite TV show: Parks and Rec
Person in history I would like to meet: Abraham Lincoln
Best advice received was... Trust the Lord with your decisions
Advice to kids today: Start working hard at a young age
John DaleClub: Seattle Sounders
Positions: Central Midfielder, Right Defender
Hometown: Seattle, WA
High School: Roosevelt
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 160
Coaches' Comments
"John comes from one of the nation's best club environments and that seasoning adds to his instincts as a vocal, intense winner."
Notes: National Honor Society President... 2nd Place WA State Bio Expo, Project on Waterborne Illnesses in Kenya...Father was two-time NCAA Tournament player for Harvard.
Why Davidson: The combination of integrity-driven people, a superb liberal arts education and an outstanding soccer program. Davidson is committed to the growth of the whole human being.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: I am excited about Davidson's excellent soccer program, dedicated coaches, and motivating team environment. I am excited to see the potential reach of the team as we compete in the competitive A10 and against teams from around the country.
Favorite actress: Jennifer Lawrence
Favorite book: The Heart of a Warrior
My ESPN highlight would be: One on one with the keeper I purposefully give and go with the goal post to get by the keeper and score.
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: Council of Carthage
Advice to kids today: Believe half of what you hear and half of what you see and you'll get the picture.
Greatest influences in my life... School, the bus, the soccer field, my dinner table, my desk and my bed.
Louis EvansClub: Wellington Phoenix FC
Position: Defender
High School: Christchurch
Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 185
Coaches' Comments
"Louis is tough, a leader, and a very good passer with both feet. He brings a degree of professionalism and international flavor to our team."
Notes: Christchurch Boys' High School - Gold Scholar - First in Class Year 11...Top Scholar Prizes in Cambridge English, Geography... New Zealand National Talent Soccer Center...Father Centre Back, Oxford United, New Zealand national team...Grandfather Centre Back, Crystal Palace.
Why Davidson: A combination of the soccer opportunity (coaches, players, facilities, match schedule), the reputation for Davidson being an outstanding academic institution, and the team culture.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Dedicated and strong coaching staff, intensity and enjoyment of the players in the training sessions I watched during an official visit, the strong match schedule, playing on terrific grass pitches.
Favorite actor: Leonardo Dicaprio
Favorite movie: Django Unchained
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be: African wild
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: Brazil winning the world cup for third time with Pele.
Favorite Quote: "Worse things have happened at sea"
People would be surprised to know... Australian and Kiwi accents are not the same.
Sawyer GaffneyClub: Richmond United
Position: Goalkeeper
High School: Collegiate
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 195
Coaches' Comments
"Sawyer's size and drive provide two key traits. His desire and work ethic are supreme, and that's essential for freshman keepers to adjust and learn."
Why Davidson: I chose Davidson because it will challenge me, while providing me with the opportunities and resources to succeed.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Davidson soccer affords me the chance to compete at the highest level, with a group of guys that will become my family. Competing day in and day out, it's that hustle I look forward to.
Favorite movies: Miracle & Step Brothers
Favorite sports figure: Tim Howard
Hobby: Gardening
If stranded on a deserted island, I would like to be with: My twin brother Draden
People would be surprised to know... I box
Malcolm McCabeClub: Texans SC Houston
Position: Left Defender
High School: Klein
Hometown: Spring, TX
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 145
Coaches' Comments
"Malcolm is a quick, smooth, cultured left back. He's good technically and cuts through defenses as he loves to join the attack with pace."
Notes: National Honor Society...Top 5% in Class... Competed in Manchester United Premier Cup in Manchester, England in 2013...Attended US Soccer Training Centers 2012-present
Why Davidson: I knew this was the school from the moment I first stepped on campus. I loved how Davidson provided a strong academic program as well as a tight-knit soccer program.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Playing in the competitive A10 conference as well as playing in front of my peers.
Potential major at Davidson: Economics
Favorite TV show: Impractical Jokers
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be: Tokyo
Best moment of athletic career: Committing to Davidson
If I could go back to an event in history, it would be: The Invasion of Normandy
Favorite Quote or Motto: "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity" (Albert Einstein)
Ned MorrissettClub: Charlotte Soccer Academy
Positions: Midfielder, Forward
High School: Charlotte Country Day
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 162
Coaches' Comments
"Ned has been on our radar for many years as a camper and excellent local player. He makes good link-up decisions and he puts himself in great goal scoring situations."
Notes: Four-year academy starter, team captain for senior season, leading scored sophomore and junior year...Grandfather/namesake attended Davidson.
Why Davidson: The sense of community and togetherness among the student body is what really makes Davidson appealing to me. The camaraderie and community that I've felt during my time on campus shows me that I will be part of something greater than myself.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: The program excites me because I feel as if there is a goal and a vision that this team has to be the very best. I know I'm going to be surrounded by coaches and teammates who truly love the game.
Favorite actor: Steve Carell
Favorite author: Mark Twain
Favorite book: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Favorite musical artist: Chance the Rapper
Pre-Game ritual: One square of a Hershey Bar for good luck
Best advice received was... Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed
Jaylen ThompsonClub: Virginia Rush
Position: Winger
High School: First Colonial
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 145
Coaches' Comments
"Jaylen changes the game with his pace. He will give us the ability to stretch teams from wide areas and get in behind and closer to goal."
Notes: National Honor Society...High School Junior season 12 goals,20 assists, 2nd Team All State...
Why Davidson: I chose Davidson because I appreciate the Honor Code system, the small class sizes, and the campus.
What excites you about Davidson Soccer: Brotherhood. I'm confident that I will have a great support group as soon as I begin my freshman year, I'll be surrounded by guys who will push me athletically and academically. The schools that we play are some of the best in the country.
Favorite actor: Kevin Hart
Favorite musical artist: Drake
Favorite sports figures: Sergio Aguero and Steph Curry
People would be surprised to know... I was born on a military base in Tokyo, Japan.
Favorite Quote: You get out what you put in.
Advice to kids today: Find out who you are and stick to it. Don't let other people negatively change you.
Players Mentioned
MF
/ Men's Soccer
D
/ Men's Soccer
GK
/ Men's Soccer
D
/ Men's Soccer
MF/F
/ Men's Soccer
MF
/ Men's SoccerFY26 Men's Soccer Preseason Virtual Meeting
Friday, August 15
FY25 Men's Soccer Davidson United Conversation
Wednesday, June 04
2024 Davidson Men's Soccer Highlights
Tuesday, May 13
Davidson Men’s Soccer – March 2023 Virtual Alumni Gathering
Tuesday, March 14