International Talents Choose UNB
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Varsity Reds men’s soccer team is pleased to announce the signing of a pair of recruits.
Keeper Evan Barker, from Winnipeg, MB, played last season with a Spanish pro team.
Tom Pheulpin is a midfielder who holds French and Canadian citizenship, and has been playing for the Alamo Revolution, in San Antonio, Texas. The Revolution are one of the top club teams in the United States.
Both players have signed CIS letters of intent to join the Varsity Reds.
The VReds are preparing to defend their third consecutive Atlantic University Sport championship.
Last season, the AUS champs also earned the silver medal at the CIS championship tournament.
EVAN BARKER
The Winnipeg native will join the Varsity Reds following a season with Mar Menor FC, of Spain’s 3rd Division.
Barker has also spent time at Soccer Canada’s national development centre and has been a member of Manitoba’s provincial team program.
“UNB academics and Varsity Reds soccer are both exceptional programs,” says Barker. “I am excited to be able to be part of such an outstanding organization. I look forward to working with Coach Pinsent and the rest of the team on a quest for a CIS championship.”
Standing 6’5”, Barker takes up a lot of space in goal, but Varsity Reds head coach Miles Pinsent says size is only part of what Barker brings to the table.
“Evan is a very agile and dynamic athlete,” says Pinsent. “His ability, considerable playing experience, and exposure to top level coaching should ensure that Evan is ready to excel with the Varsity Reds.”
TOM PHEULPIN
Born in Paris, Tom Pheulpin holds French and Canadian citizenship, but has played much of his soccer in the U.S.
The midfielder has, most recently, been a key member of the Alamo Revolution Club’s top team.
Pheulpin’s Revolution side won the 2015 San Diego Surf Cup, a premier tournament which attracts teams from all over North America, along with hundreds of scouts from professional and university teams.
“I believe the Varsity Reds have the perfect set up to allow me to continue to develop as a player,” says Pheulpin. “I look forward to working with the coaches, staff, and my teammates in order to get better.”
“We’re excited to have a creative player like Tom join us,” says Varsity Reds head coach Miles Pinsent. He believes Fredericton soccer fans will enjoy Pheulpin’s style.
“He plays the game with a great attacking flair that will make him a fan favourite.”