The Sea-Hawks men's soccer program and head coach Jake Stanford are proudly announcing five Newfoundlanders as the next generation of local talent to represent Memorial. Colin Dyer, Andy Knight, Luke Peddle, Daniel Peddle, and Evan Pearcey highlight the recruiting class of 2024. Each bringing a unique skillset, the group will enter their inaugural AUS campaign looking to test themselves and gain the experience necessary to help build the future core of the program. All 5 new Sea-Hawks have been members of the NLSA provincial teams program and have had notable success within the province's club system. Coach Stanford is "delighted to attract these talented players and to keep our connection strong with the local soccer community. I feel they will be great additions to our program on and off the pitch. All of these young men impressed me with their maturity and focus towards doing well academically as student-athletes."
Colin Dyer of Mount Pearl joins the Sea-Hawks with an impressive pedigree from O'Donel High School and the Feildians Athletic Association. Named the NLSA Youth Player of the Year in 2023 and boasting a Challenge Cup Champion title with Feildians, Dyer's accolades speak volumes. "Colin has the ability to play anywhere across the backline and he defends very well in 1v1 situations. He is confident and shows no fear" said coach Stanford. To the team Colin intends to "bring all of my assets like competitiveness, work ethic, intensity, and whatever is asked of me on and off the pitch".
Andy Knight, a dynamic midfielder from St. John's, brings a wealth of athletic experience and leadership to the Sea-Hawks. Also a member of the Feildians Athletic Association, he intends to pursue a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree. "I chose Memorial University along with the Sea-Hawks soccer program because it is a positive and encouraging environment, with the added benefit of staying home and being close to family and friends. I am looking forward to playing against the strong competition found at the AUS level, but I am also excited for the grind and preparation." Coach Stanford suggests "Andy has good technical skills and is comfortable with the ball. Also defensively he is solid in tracking players."
Luke Peddle, a future Bachelor of Commerce student from St. John's, NL, arrives with a reputation as a composed center-back. "Luke impressed me with the calmness in his game. He also has size and strength, and will continue to grow. He is a natural left foot player so that brings an added bonus in his distribution and passing abilities." Having represented the FAA and CBS Strikers Challenge Cup squad, Peddle revealed he is now looking forward to "gaining experience while learning from some of the best players in AUS, as well as a very successful and experienced coach". He continued "the progression to play at a varsity level was very appealing to me. Having had the opportunity to visit with the Sea-Hawks and get familiar with the group, and following the team's success in recent years, I decided that the offer to play for Sea-Hawks while studying business at Memorial was the best fit for me."
Daniel Peddle, a promising talent from Torbay, brings a skillful and thoughtful approach to the attacking central midfield role. "I love to dribble, combine with teammates, and I try to consistently play forward" Daniel said. "I hope to train as much as possible at the highest level I can, and I believe being in this environment will have a positive impact on me". The Holy Trinity High School student has represented the St. John's Soccer Club as well as Paradise SC, and is a 2x Atlantic Champion with the NLSA provincial team. "Daniel is a talented and technical player that shows good maturity in his vision in the midfield position. He is driven and has goals to take his game to a higher level of play" noted coach Stanford.
Evan Pearcey of CBS is a "solid defender with calmness, but also shows fierceness when required. He has the ability to move the ball and maintain possession for his teammates" according to coach Stanford. Pearcey is Holy Spirit High School student who has represented the CBS Strikers, and more recently lined up for Paradise SC's Challenge Cup squad, in addition to his experience with the NLSA programs.
The Sea-Hawks men's soccer team are coming off a successful 2023 campaign where they reached the AUS semi-final stage. The Sea-Hawks will open the 2024 AUS season on the road as they visit the UPEI Panthers on August 30th. Memorial's home opener will be 7:15pm on Friday, September 6th vs the visitng UNB Reds. The team's entire 2024 AUS schedule can be found here.