March 3, 2008

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.- Marist men's soccer coach Matt Viggiano announced the addition of seven student-athletes to the program, it was announced Monday. They will be joining the men's soccer team for the fall of 2008 season and will be looked upon to make an immediate impact on the men's soccer program.

"This incoming class sets us up nicely for the future. I absolutely feel that all seven players will be integral parts in helping our team achieve our goal of winning the MAAC Championship and getting back to the NCAA Tournament," said Viggiano.

The soccer class of 2012 includes Troy Confessore (Kendal Park, N.J.), Tim Garger (Garden City, N.Y.), Alex George (Southhold, N.Y.), Scott Kessler (Jericho, N.Y.), Fred Osborne (Trumbull, Conn.), Caleb Shaw (Hampton, N.H.), and Lucas Szabo (Bethesda, Md.).

Troy Confessore - Kendal Park, N.J. - Midfield

Troy Confessore was a three-year varsity soccer player at South Brunswick High School. He was also a two-year captain. As a senior, he was named First Team All-County and Second Team All-State (Central Jersey). Confessore also played club for the nationally recognized, Ironbound Blaze. While playing for the Blaze, he was part of two New Jersey State Championship teams, two regional championships, and a US Club National Championship.

Viggiano on Confessore: "Troy's a smooth, skilled player, with a great work rate. He's a versatile player and his great vision will make him an excellent distributor."

Tim Garger - Garden City, N.Y. - Midfield/Defense

Tim Garger played on the varsity squad at Regis High School in New York City for three years. As a junior and senior, Garger was named New York CHSAA First Team All-League, and CHSAA First Team All-Archdiocese of New York. He is a three year member of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP), and made the Region I ODP team in 2007. Garger's East Meadow S.C. club team made the Region I semifinals in 2006. He is currently playing for the Albertson U18 academy team.

Viggiano on Garger: "Tim is a relentless worker and very aggressive player. He is skilled with both feet and will be an asset to our team as a back and in the midfield."

Alex George - Southold, N.Y. - Defense/Midfield

Alex George is a three time All-State selection and was part of the 2006 State Final Four Class C team. His club team, the Terryville Fire, won the 2007 U-18 National Championship. His playing experience also includes time with the Eastern New York ODP program. George is currently is playing for the U-18 Gottschee academy team.

Viggiano on George: "Alex is a skilled, strong, and fast player with a championship pedigree. He's the complete package."

Scott Kessler - Jericho, N.Y. - Goalkeeper

Scott Kessler played three years of varsity soccer at Syosset High School and as a senior he captained his team to the county finals. Kessler was on the New York Newsday Top 20 Players To Watch list. A member of the Eastern New York ODP, his club team, the Massepequa Revolution, reached the 2006 New York State finals.

Viggiano on Kessler: "Scott's going to be a great presence in the box and is a great distributor when he has the ball. I absolutely expect him to compete for serious playing time next year."

Fred Osborne - Trumbull, Conn. - Defense

A three year starter for Trumbull High School, Fred Osborne is a two-time First Team All-FCIAC selection and a two-time First Team Connecticut Post performer. As a junior, he was named the FCIAC Championship MVP. During his senior campaign he was named All-State and First Team Hartford Courant. As both a junior and senior, Osborne's Trumbull teams were undefeated in the regular season. His Yankee United club team was a State Cup semifinalist in 2006, and State Cup winner in 2007.

Viggiano on Osborne: "Fred's an extremely fast and physical player. He's a tough one-on-one defender and will add a big presence to our back line in '08."

Caleb Shaw - Hampton, N.H. - Defense/Midfield

Caleb Shaw is a three-time state champion at the club level. In 2006, his Seacoast United team was the Super Y national runner-up, and in both 2006 and 2007, he was a member of the ODP National Camp. He is currently playing on the Seacoast United U18 Academy Team.

Viggiano on Shaw: "Caleb has a tremendous work ethic. He's a strong defender, and possesses the ability to use both feet."

Lucas Szabo - Bethesda, Md. - Forward/Midfield

Lucas Szabo was a four-year starter at Walter Johnson High School. He led his team in goals as a sophomore, junior and senior, and was part of the 4A Maryland State Championship team as a junior. His club team, the MSC Dragons, won the Maryland State Championship all four year he was a member of the squad. At the U-17 level he led his team in goals and assists (21 goals and 11 assists in 39 games). Szabo was also selected to the Super Y ODP National Camp last January.

Viggiano on Szabo: "He's very talented and very skilled. He's a proven goal scorer that is going to benefit our attack greatly."

"These are all strong players, and each one has the potential to push for serious playing time in the near future. When combining this class with last year's class, we will have a nucleus that will be able to compete at a high level for the foreseeable future.