Trevor Rush, a goalkeeper from Neshaminy High School, was the first to join Bryn Athyn Soccer. Coach Bill O'Neill was ecstatic on the commitment of Trevor,"I could not be more excited to have Trevor be part of our program. Trevor played a major role in Neshaminy high School run to the PIAA State Championship game. Trevor was an 1st all league player in one of the best conferences in PA, Suburban One." O'Neill continued, "Trevor not only played for a great program at Neshaminy but comes from a very reputable program in YMS. In goal, Trevor has great reactionary skills, reads the game well and can change the game with his ability to hit long balls. Trevor will make an major impact on our program."
Justin Lykunov, another Neshaminy High School product, decided to team up with high school teammate, Trevor Rush, and join the LionPride. Justin was a striker for his high school and club team. Coach O'Neill said, "Justin was a member of the Neshaminy High School PIAA State championship finalist. Justin played a great role as a striker who has speed and great size. Justin's work rate makes a huge impact on the game as he has the ability to press the opposition backline. Justin played at three very reputable local soccer programs at UGH, PSC Coppa and FC Europa. I am excited to see the impact Justin will have on our program."
Next up, the Lions hit the Father Judge Pipeline to garner the commitment of Kyle Bovitt. Bovitt was a an integral part of the back line for Judge. "Kyle played on a Father Judge team that went undefeated in the spring. Kyle played on the back line at Judge that held their opponents to few goals and limited opportunities. Kyle reads the game very well and is very composed on the ball. He is always looking to connect passes ino the midfield or checking forwards. He played club locally at Lighthouse. Kyle will make a strong push to be an impact player in his freshmen campaign," Coach O'Neill stated.
Marcos VanSteek was the next recruit to pledge to Bryn Athyn. He comes from Delaware Valley Friends School . Coach O'Neill on Marcos, "Marcos is a goalkeeper coming from Delaware Valley Friends School. Marcos will be a great addition our very talented goalkeeper position. Marcos has a great hands and very good reaction. Marcos puts in the work to improve his game and is always looking for ways to get better. I am excited to see what Marcos will bring to our program."
The Lions did not travel far for their next commitment. Jacob Glenn played his high school soccer for the Academy of the New Church. Coach O'Neill on the addition of Glenn, "Jake is a homegrown player coming from our own backyard here in Bryn Athyn. The first time I saw Jake play he put up 5 goals and stood out as an impact player. Jake plays with a great energy and truly loves the game. I am very happy we were able to recruit Jake into coming to his hometown college."
The next player to commit to Bryn Athyn Soccer is Enrico Romano. Romano played high school soccer for Hatboro-Horsham. "Enrico is another great local player coming from Hatboro-Horsham and Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals. Enrico will come to our program looking to play a key role in our top line," Coach O'Neill continued. "Enrico is a player who is very good in the air, reads the game well and is able to hold the ball to allow players to work off of him. I am excited to have Enrico in our program and looking forward to seeing him grow as a player."
The final commitment of the 2021 class is transfer student, Michael Carmody. Carmody comes to the Lions from Camden County Community College. O'Neill said, "Michael comes into our program as a transfer from Camden County. Michael will come in to help as a veteran player and will add veteran leadership through his positive attitude and overall energy. Michael will come into the program looking as a midfielder or forward. He has a great ability to read the game and put in the necessary work to help his teammates. I am looking forward to seeing the leadership Michael can provide our program."
The Lions will be returning to the pitch after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 season. Bryn Athyn will open their 2021 season on September 1 at General Ronald K. Nelson Field as they take on Albright College at 5:30 p.m.