Men's soccer welcomes four strong recruits

 The University of New Brunswick men's soccer team is pleased to announce the addition of four stellar new recruits.

Coming all the way from Kildare, Ireland, Ryan Farrell is a 21-year-old midfielder who played for Crumlin FC when they tied Chelsea's Academy in the prestigious Milk Cup. Farrell also played for St. Patrick's in Ireland's top U19 league. 

Farrell will be entering the Faculty of Arts at UNB.

"I chose to commit to UNB because of the great tradition of the school and Varsity Reds soccer," Farrell said. "I am excited for the opportunities at UNB and the outstanding facilities there. I am also looking forward to working under Coach Pinsent and his staff."

Head coach Miles Pinsent says he's very pleased to have Farrell join the Reds. "His explosive combination of speed, strength and skill will enable him to have an immediate impact."

For Jared Mullin, 17, the Varsity Reds are a bit closer to home. The native of Miramachi, New Brunswick, brings to the Reds experience playing for Ottawa Fury and for the team at St. Benedict's in New Jersey, where he was part of the US National Prep School Championship-winning squad.

Mullin will be entering the Faculty of Kinesiology.

He says UNB offered him "a unique opportunity to get a quality education and play top-level varsity soccer and still be close to home."

Coach Pinsent says he's excited to add one of the best players from this region to the Varsity Reds program.

"Jared's past experiences with top-notch programs should allow him to make a successful transition to varsity soccer."

Also joining the squad is 17-year-old Eric Frey, a centre back from Calgary, Alberta. Frey previously played with Chinook United Soccer Club and will be entering the Faculty of Arts at UNB.

"At first, the soccer at UNB caught my attention," Frey said. "But later I was also intrigued by the academic program as it corresponds with my future plans. I cannot wait to play with the Varsity Reds."

Pinsent says Frey comes from a very strong soccer program which has developed a number of strong players.

"His size and athletic ability should allow Eric to adapt very quickly and very well to the AUS league."

Frey's fellow Calgarian Kellen Kuipers, 17, will be wearing the Varsity Reds jersey this season, too. Kuipers is a midfielder whose previous teams include the English clubs Reading FC and Aldershot Town. Kuipers comes to UNB from Shattuck-St. Mary's in Minnesota and will be entering the Faculty of Business.

Kuipers says it was the soccer program that drew him to Fredericton and UNB.

"I have chosen to attend UNB mainly because of the high level of the soccer program," Kuipers said. "The combination of athletics and academics is something I look forward to."

Pinsent says Kuipers is a skilled player who is capable of being a creative play-maker. "Kellen has a very strong soccer background which has exposed him to some very good coaches."

The Varsity Reds men's soccer team will make their first appearance for the season on August 23 at 11:00am, when they meet Montreal Impact U23 for an exhibition match on UNB's BMO Field. Tickets are available at the gate and are $10 for adults, $3 for students. Kids under 12 are given free admission.