Men's Recruiting Class--Official Release

Men's Soccer Signs Four Recruits to NLI's

PORTLAND, Ore. --- Four prep men’s soccer players have committed to the University of Portland program, announced Director of Soccer and men’s head coach Bill Irwin. Incoming freshmen Colin Anderson (Tucson, Ariz./University HS), Justin Baarts (Surrey, B.C./Tamanawis Secondary), Ben Hemphill (White Rock, B.C./Vancouver College) and Marc Tonkel (Los Gatos, Calif./Los Gatos HS) have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Pilots next fall.

“We’re very excited about this group,” Irwin said. “They all come highly regarded and we have high expectations for them. Three of the four have represented their countries at different youth levels and we know that they’re going to challenge our current players and make us even better.”

Colin Anderson (5-7, 155), a defender/midfielder for the University HS Penguins, finished with 41 career goals and 41 career assists, twice breaking the school record for assists in a season. A three-time All-Southern Arizona selection (2007, 2008, 2009), Anderson was named First Team All-State during both his junior and senior campaigns. The Penguins claimed three straight league titles (2007-09) and won the Arizona 4A-I State Championship in 2007. University HS finished second at the Arizona 5A-II State Tournament in 2008 and 2009.

Anderson, who participated with the Arizona ODP in 2007, is a member of the U-18 National Team Pool. He won the US Youth Soccer National Cup in 2008 with his club team after previously claiming the Region F Title.

“Colin is a skilled player who is comfortable on the ball,” said Irwin. “He comes in with a lot of experience, so we’re looking for him to push the defenders we have and challenge for a starting spot.”

Justin Baarts (6-2, 200) is a goalkeeper who has played in the Canadian National Team system for the past four years. Baarts, who is the nephew of UP Assistant Coach Rob Baarts, also plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps U-18 team and was a member of the Provincial Team for three years, ending with the U-16 squad. He won several league and provincial championships with his club teams, while his B.C. U-14 team finished second at nationals.

At Tamanawis Secondary, Baarts helped lead the Wildcats senior boys’ team to the Provincial Playoffs in 2009 for the first time in school history. As a forward, he scored three goals during the provincials, including the game-tying goal during the group stage game.

“Justin has been playing with several youth national teams and has been performing very well,” added Irwin. “He’s a perfect size for a goalkeeper and he will battle for playing time.”

Ben Hemphill (6-1, 180) is a center midfielder who played with the Canadian U-16 National Team in 2006-07. He also participated at the National Training Center in 2006-09 and was a member of the British Columbia Soccer Association for five years (2005-09). A member of several premier club teams, Hemphill toured Holland with the Whitecaps Youth Prospects. He also claimed the silver medal with his club team at the 2008 Surf Cup.

Hemphill prepped at Vancouver College, where he was voted Team MVP in 2007 and 2008. He helped the Fighting Irish claim back-to-back Vancouver Independent School Championships (2007, 2008) and he was awarded the Golden Boot at the 2007 BCHS Provincial Championships.

“Ben can play several difference positions,” Irwin said. “He’s been playing at a high level in Canada so we know he is going to come in and help us out a lot. We’re very impressed with him.”

Marc Tonkel (6-0, 170) is a midfielder at Los Gatos HS, where he helped the Wildcats to back-to-back state quarterfinal showings during his junior and senior campaigns. A team captain in both 2008 and 2009, Tonkel was named First Team All-SCVAL as a junior and garnered league co-MVP honors as a senior. The Wildcats took the league title in 2008 with Tonkel leading the team with 12 assists. As a senior, he scored a team-high nine goals.

A participant in the USL’s Super Y League, Tonkel is a member of several elite club teams. He has played at the youth national championships, the Disney Soccer Showcase and the Dallas Cup.

“Marc is another player who can play different positions,” said Irwin. “He’s very strong on the ball and we know that he’s going to come in and make our current players even better. He’s going to be a handful for the teams we play, so we’re looking forward to having him here.”