Foreign support for men’s soccer team

To compliment the already strong foundation of the UCCS Men's Soccer Team, Head Coach Henry Ellis, and recent addition, Assistant Coach, Johnnie Keen, have recruited some of the best young talent in the Colorado Springs area. Their efforts, however, did not stop there, as the team will also host three international players, two NCAA Division 1 transfers, along with three more standout transfers.

Led by last year's second-team All-RMAC defensive player and captain, Jaron Stewart, the team's 16 newest recruits are undoubtedly in good, although challenging, hands. As Stewart explained, "The difference between last year and this year is we are 10 times more fit. It's a big step, especially since this year's preseason was cut a week short. A lot of the guys did the work they needed to over the summer."

The team's three international players include Gabriel Cuasse, Matt Cox and Mash Shashwar.

Gabriel Causse, a sophomore originally from Villa La Grande, France, explained his reasoning for choosing UCCS, saying, "I was in touch with different universities around the country, but I felt like the UCCS soccer program had better expectations and that the school had more to offer than most universities."

Notably impressed by the program's organization and the school's cleanliness, Causse further explained, "The contact with the staff went very well and I felt like I could really make a difference in the team while moving toward my goals. Having a part of my family around also made my choice easier." Causse's oldest brother and family-in-law live in Colorado.

Unlike Causse, Matt Cox, a freshman from Christchurch, New Zealand, is experiencing his first stint in the states. "I have been to Europe before, and always wanted to visit, but now is my opportunity to enjoy it," he said.

When describing his first impression of the states, Cox shared, "I thought it was unreal compared to home in New Zealand. It is a great atmosphere and it looks like something you see in movies."

Like all players, Causse and Cox want to make an immediate impact on the team. "We have a strong group," Causse said, "and I really believe that we can bring the soccer program to another level."

Not the only ones with high expectations, Stewart, who was recently named Preseason All-RMAC reiterated, "Making the Conference tournament is definitely a goal and the key thing is getting everyone on the same page." Unlike in previous years, the top six teams make the conference tournament.