Men's Soccer Signs Six For 2000 Season
July 18, 2000 | Men's Soccer
May 3, 2000
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Six players have signed national letters-of-intent to continue their soccer careers at the University of Louisville announced head coach Tony Colavecchia.
Colavecchia has signed Nathan Tilford, a 5-10 forward from Webster Groves, Mo., Drew Brester, a 5-10 midfielder from Lexington, Ky., Nathan Stephens, a 5-9 forward from Union, Mo., Andrew Rhodes, a 5-9 midfielder from Germantown, Tenn., Mason Barber, a 5-9 midfielder from Bowling Green, Ky., and Sean Murphy, a 5-11 midfielder transfer from Wright State.
Tilford was a four-year starter at Webster Groves High School and earned MVP honors at the Rick Hudson Tournament. He played for the national ODP team in the Salerno Cup in Salerno, Italy.
"Nathan is a quick and dangerous forward," said Colavecchia. "He has the ability to create goal scoring chances from nothing. He will provide extra fire power to assist Zabaneh, Prather and Yaber as the Cardinal forwards."
Brester lettered for Tates Creek High School for four years and was team captain his senior year. He was also a member of the state champion ODP team three of the last four years.
"Drew has a lot of experience at a winning program with Javanon," Colavecchia said. "He does not like second best, he is a competitor and will keep many other players honest in their efforts."
Stephens lettered for Union High School for four seasons and was the team MVP the last two. He set the school record with 33 goals scored his junior year and was an all-state selection his sophomore, junior and senior seasons.
"Nathan is a very tricky wide player who has the ability to isolate and beat defenders with his skills," said Colavecchia. "He is a good finisher and a player that will certainly cause problems to a challenging schedule of opponents."
Rhodes was a varsity starter for Houston High School for four seasons. He also played six seasons with the Memphis Futbol Club.
"We saw Andrew play in Charlotte at the adidas showcase," said Colavecchia. "He immediately caught our eye by his tireless running and crossing of the ball."
Barber was a first team all-state member his senior year at Bowling Green High School. He was named the Most Valuable Player and was the team's leading scorer.
"Mason is a tricky player that is very dangerous going forward," Colavecchia said. "He is a first team all-state member and leading scorer and has all the right tools and credentials to make an impact."
Murphy played for two seasons at Wright State. As a sophomore he started in 15 games and had three goals and three assists. Murphy also lettered for four seasons at St. Xavier High School in Louisville.
"Sean is a proven player at Wright State," said Colavecchia. " He will impact our team immediately."
