Mar 12, 2003
ATLANTA – After a tumultuous 2002 season as the Georgia State men's soccer team narrowly missed qualifying for the Atlantic Sun Tournament, the Panthers have assembled the deepest and most talented recruiting class in school history.
Head coach Kerem Daser has brought in three top-level Georgia high school players and complemented the class with three international signees and a U.S. national pool player from Florida. “I believe this is the best recruiting class we've ever had,” he said. “All these recruits will battle for playing time, which will make us better.”
Aaron Farrelly – midfielder from Conyers, Ga. (Heritage H.S.). He helped lead his team to 2002 state AAAA championship, and team is currently ranked number one in the state in its classification. Also part of under-18 Lightning 2003 state club champions. Daser's comments: “He has a good scoring touch in the box and a proven winner.”
Chris Mahaffey – midfielder/forward from Conyers, Ga. (Heritage H.S.). He helped lead team to 2002 state AAAA championship. His team is also currently ranked first in the state in its classification. Daser's comments: “He is one of the best attacking players from Georgia, and is a skilled playmaker.”
Ian Smith – defender from Marietta, Ga. (Lassiter H.S.). He was named all-county his junior season and was selected his team's defensive MVP the same year. He was also part of the United Quest under-18 2003 state champions. Daser's comments: “He is very good in the air and a tough tackler who will battle to start in the fall.”
Desmond Williams – midfielder from Ocala, Fla. He is part of the Florida ODP and Region III '85 team. He is also part of the '85 U.S. national team, becoming only the second Georgia State player to earn a cap in international competition. Daser's comments: “He has breakaway speed, a great attitude and is very coachable.”
Paulo Gutierrez – goalkeeper from Lima, Peru (Santa Maria Marianistas H.S.). He was a member of the under-17 Peruvian national team and is currently a member of the under-20 national team. He was selected best goalkeeper at the 2000 Cable Magico Cup and 1999 ADFP Championship, while being named the 1998 MVP of the ADECORE Cup. Daser comments: “He is the complete package as a goalkeeper. He is great in the air and is a tremendous shot blocker.”
Eduardo “Lalo” Liza – midfielder from LoMolina, Peru (Santa Marianistas H.S.). A teammate of Gutierrez, he is one of the top wingers in Peru. Daser's comments: “He provides tremendous service from the flanks. He can score goals, but is also a tremendous crosser of balls.”
Edward Paton – forward from Paisley, Scotland. He is part of the under-18 Scottish national team and has earned international caps against Wales and Northern Ireland. He has led his team and the district in scoring the past eight seasons as a youth. Daser's comments: “He's a good striker with a defender on his back. I look for him to have a big impact this fall.”
