The Wisconsin men’s soccer team announced the addition of five student-athletes for the 2012 season. Head coach John Trask welcomed goalkeeper Casey Beyers, midfielder Andrew Connor, defenseman Adam Lauko, utility player Joe Naughton and defenseman Garrett Powell.
“This recruiting class will add depth and quality to a team which is returning most of its letterwinners from this past fall,” Trask said. “We are excited to integrate these new members in the team and look forward to their contributions in the 2012 season and beyond.”
Beyers comes to Madison from Archbishop Spalding High School in Maryland. He was named to the Maryland Inter scholastic Athletic Association All-MIAA “A” conference team in his junior and senior years. Beyers also played on the U.S. Men’s National Team U-17 camp.
“Casey comes highly recommended,” Trask said. “Casey is a former UW camper who will represent the fine tradition of student-athletes here in Madison and within the men’s soccer program.”
Connor was a four-year starter for the Chicago Fire Academy. He is ranked as the No. 1 player in the Midwest and No. 30 in the U.S. He was awarded the 2011-’12 Gatorade boys soccer Player of the Year among many other awards in 2012.
“Drew is a player who will have an immediate impact in the midfield,” Trask said. “He has the tools of the top midfielders in the country.”
Lauko played for four sectional championship teams, was named to the ESPN High School New York’s Starting 11 in 2011 and played three years in the New York State West Olympic Development Program.
“Adam’s ability on the ball and understanding of the game will strengthen the back half of the team,” Trask said.
Naughton attended high school at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, and was named to the Nation Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Midwest Region team during his senior season. He also received NSCAA first team all-state and first team all-conference in 2011.
“Joe is a player who can play multiple roles and the staff feels that he has many of the qualities needed to play Big Ten soccer,” Trask said.
Powell played three varsity seasons for Southwest High School in Minneapolis where he was named all-conference and all-state-coaches in 2011. He played for two State Cup championship squads and helped his club teams to four USA Cup Championships.
“[Powell] is a player who we believe has the qualities needed to have a very good career at Wisconsin,” Trask said.
UWBadgers.com contributed to this report.
