George Washington University Athletics
GW Men's Soccer Adds Five Recruits for 2011
6/14/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
June 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC - George Washington men's soccer head coach George Lidster has announced five student-athletes will join the Colonials for the 2011 season, highlighted by National Letter of Intent signees Farhan Khan and Matthew Scott.
Luke Farrell, Joe Holleran and Stefano Wach round out the group of five incoming freshmen. Lidster has recruited a pair of midfielders and defenders, as well as a goalkeeper to fill the voids left by departing student-athletes Erik Haug, Marcus Ranney and Kory Trott.
"Our recruiting class adds depth at every position, a luxury not afforded us last season, especially in defense and at goalkeeper," said Lidster, who enters his 24th season at GW in 2011 as the school's career wins leader with 191 victories. "The incoming class improves the athleticism of the team and it will be pushing the upperclassmen for starting positions during preseason."
The Colonials are set to return 19 letterwinners and 10 starters from last season's 3-15-0 team.
The new recruits include:
Luke Farrell
Freshman - Goalkeeper
Easton, Pa.
Easton High School - North Hunterdon FC Magic
6-foot-1 - 175 lbs.
Luke was a four-year varsity letterwinner and two-year starter at Easton High, the Pennsylvania District XI Class AAA champions in 2011. He recorded the most shutouts and most saves in Easton history. Luke also served as President of Eastern High's chapter of the National Honor Society.
Luke Paré Farrell was born on April 10, 1993, in Columbia, Md. He is the son of Michael and Margaret Farrell. He has an older brother, Tucker, and a younger sister, Margaret. Luke aspires to major in international politics or economics at GW.
Coach Lidster's Take: "Luke is a solid, athletic shot-stopper with a great personality and work ethic. He adds greatly to a very competitive group of goalkeepers."
Joe Holleran
Freshman - Midfield
Warlingham, England
Caterham School - Lingfield FC U18
5-foot-11 - 155 lbs.
The left-footed midfielder was named Caterham School's Clubman of the Year after leading the team to an 8-3-1 record in 2011. Joe also participated on Lingfield FC and Whyteleafe FC club teams, helping Lingfield to League Cup and Surrey Cup semifinals with eight goals in 2010-11. Joe was chosen Lingfield's Player of the Year by both the club's players and manager. In 2009-10, Joe helped Whyteleafe U17 to an undefeated 12-0-6 mark and league title.
Joe Christopher Holleran was born June 30, 1993, in London, England. He is the son of John and Joanne Holleran and younger brother to Dan. He intends to major in economics and public policy at GW.
Coach Lidster's Take: "Joe is a fast, left-footed player who can play left back or left wing. A hard shot and good crosser of the ball, he will compete for a spot on the left side."
Farhan Khan
Freshman - Midfield
Great Falls, Va.
Langley High School - Great Falls 91 Elite
5-foot-10 - 175 lbs.
Farhan scored eight goals and 18 points in helping Langley High to a 16-3-2 record and No. 38 ranking in ESPNRise.com Spring 2011 Fab 50 rankings. He was an honorable mention All-Met selection by The Washington Post in helping the Saxons to the Virginia Group AAA state quarterfinals in 2011. He also served as the 2011 team captain.
Farhan Karim Khan was born April 27, 1992, in Los Angeles, Calif. He is the son of Muhammad and Shayera Khan. He has one older brother, Muhammad, and two older sisters, Fadiah and Farhana.
Coach Lidster's Take: "Farhan is a dynamic midfielder whose work rate and physical presence will be a great addition to our midfield options. A midfield dynamo with good technical skills, he will be looking to establish himself in the center of midfield."
Matthew Scott
Freshman - Defender
Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
Monkseaton High School - Team Northumbria
6-foot-2
Matthew's accomplishments include English Colleges Football Association (ECFA) Knockout Cup champion, Northumberland County captain and ECFA regional league champion.
Matthew David Scott was born Nov. 14, 1991, in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. He is the son of Malcolm and Irene Scott and has an older brother, James.
Coach Lidster's Take: "Matthew is a tall, commanding central defender who's good in the air and hard in the tackle. He has represented England colleges at the national level and will add his experience to make an immediate impact for the team."
Stefano Wach
Freshman - Defender
Allison Park, Pa.
Hampton High School - Pittsburgh Northstars
6-foot-2
A four-year letterwinner, three-year starter and senior team captain at Hampton High, Stefano was named team defensive MVP and Most Inspirational Player while leading the Talbots to 2010 Pennsylvania Class AA state and WPIAL titles. He was chosen for the 2010 Pittsburgh Tribune Review Elite 11 and Pittsburgh Post Gazette All-Area teams. He also earned All-WPIAL and All-Section honors as a senior in 2010 and helped Hampton to the Class AA state and WPIAL title games in 2009.
Stefano Alexander Wach was born April 13, 1993, in Santa Cruz, Calif. He is the son of Mark Wach and Ingrid Priskich-Wach. He intends to major in international affairs at GW and to attend law school.
Coach Lidster's Take: "Stefano is a strong, physical defender whose composure on the ball and versatility will see him add depth to our defensive line. He will be pushing for a starting spot in numerous positions in defense."
In the heart of the nation's capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 130 countries. The George Washington University Department of Athletics fields teams in 22 varsity sports (10 men's, 12 women's), 16 of which compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
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