UW-Parkside men's soccer coach Rick Kilps has signed a pair of prospects from Minnesota to the 2011 squad. The following is the press release on each:
DIXON IN THE RANGER FOLD
A 2010 all-state team member from Minnesota has signed a national letter of intent to play for the University of Wisconsin-Parkside men's soccer team.
Tyler Dixon, who starred at St. Paul Central High School, will join the Rangers in August of 2011.
Dixon, a 5-8 midfielder, is a two-time all-conference player, who led his team to a pair of conference championships. The team MVP was selected to play in the Senior All-Star Classic.
“Tyler is a very deceptive player, who possesses good technical ability,” explained veteran UW-Parkside head coach Rick Kilps. Tyler is not afraid to take people on with the ball at his feet and can provide a good service from the flank and can finish well.”
Dixon is a crafty player on the flank and also has experience playing centrally, or as a wide defender, which makes him a versatile addition to the Rangers. He scored 11 goals with eight assists in his senior season, helping his squad to a 12-4-2 overall record.
“He has a feisty temperament which makes him a true competitor,” added Kilps.
Dixon played club ball for Minnesota Thunder Academy, where his team was a two-time state runner-up. He is also a 3-year member of the Minnesota Olympic Development team, which was crowned regional champion in 2010.
EINARSSON INKED
The UW-Parkside men's soccer program has secured the services of
Atli Einarsson, who recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Rangers, beginning in August of 2011. Einarsson is a midfielder/defender, from Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Einarsson was a four-year letter winner and three-year starter at Chanhassen High School, playing both an outside defender and center midfield role. He led his team to a 13-3-2 record and a conference championship in 2010, earning his squad's MVP honor in the process.
The new Ranger logged 21 career assists including 13 in his senior season. He found the back of the net eight times in his final season and 17 times throughout his prep career. In addition, Einarsson is an honors level student and a member of the Key Club.
“We are thrilled to have this fine young man become a part of our program,” said Rick Kilps, who will enter his 28th season as head coach of the Rangers. “Playing in an extremely competitive league, we have watched him excel at the highest level of youth soccer in the country.”
Einarsson played club ball with the Minnesota Thunder Academy, playing in the U.S. Developmental Academy league. He has been a starting center midfielder with the club for two seasons.
“He generally plays as a holding midfielder, but can also step back any where into the defensive line,” explained Kilps. “Atli reads the game well and is able to come forward not only in support of the attack, but also in helping create the attack when carrying the ball. He is expected to make an immediate contribution to our program.”
The 5-10, 160-pounder is a citizen of Iceland who has been residing in the U.S. He was called in for a trial with the Icelandic U16 youth National team.
