Beavers Add Two More to 2016 Roster
March 12, 2016 | Men's Soccer
CORVALLIS – The Oregon State men's soccer team added two more outstanding players to its 2016 roster Friday, as transfer Jesse Garcia-Aguilar and freshman David Norman will both join the Beavers for the fall season.
“The addition of David and Jesse continues to raise the standard of our program,” said Oregon State head coach Steve Simmons. “Having two players from our Pacific Northwest recruiting footprint further demonstrates the attraction to be a student-athlete at Oregon State. On the field, both are superb players who will hit the ground running. Off the field, they are aligned with our Core Values of excelling in the classroom, community and competition.”
Garcia-Aguilar (Hillsboro, Ore.) joins the Beavers as a junior, after spending the last two seasons at Akron. The midfielder started 13 matches in his freshman season. He made 20 appearances in his debut campaign with the Zips, scoring the game-winning goal against UCF.
“Jesse is a versatile attacking player who can play as an outside midfielder in a playmaking role, or as a true #10,” Simmons said. “His experiences, including appearances with the Timbers Reserve squad, make him game ready for Oregon State. It will also be good to have him start in the spring term with us so he can get used to his new surroundings.”
Prior to his time at Akron, Garcia-Aguilar spent time with the Portland Timbers Academy, earning Academy Player of the Year honors in 2013-14. He also received playing time with the Portland Timbers' reserve squad for a match against Monarcas Morelia of Mexico in 2014. The midfielder played two seasons for Century High School, scoring six goals and recording 11 assists.
Norman (Coquitlam, British Columbia) has played in the Vancouver Whitecaps system since he was nine years old. The midfielder helped Vancouver compete in the United States Soccer Development Academy for four years, leading his team to the quarterfinals in 2014 and 2015.
“David has shown the ability to be a key figure in the central midfield in the very competitive academy league,” Simmons said. “Additionally, he has the speed and power to cover ground in the midfield, to break up play and to generate attacks. His leadership potential in the midfield and in the locker room will play a big role for years to come.”
Norman holds dual citizenship in Scotland and Canada, and has represented the Canadian National Team at the U-16 and U-17 levels. He captained the Canadian team at the Danone Cup in South Africa in 2010.
To read more on Oregon State's other six signees, click here.
