and then knows when to make a pass.” Asheville has two freshmen who will get serious looks from the coaching staff for playing time this year. Erik Casterline joins the Blue & White after a stellar club and prep career in High Point. “Erik is a great two-way player who is quite comfortable playing in the back,” stated Kern. “We’re looking at him as a right back and someone who can make an immediate impact.” Cole Schwietering will be Asheville’s tallest player this year at 6-3. He’s from Fuquay-Varina, N.C. “Cole is another player we’ve signed with great high school and club experience,” said Kern. “His height (6-3) is a real asset, and we’re confident he’ll compete for a starting spot right away as a freshman.” MIDFIELD The Bulldogs return a nice mixture of experience and newcomers in the midfield. Start with junior Rob May. The Asheville native transferred to the Bulldog program last year after spending a year at national power Charlotte. He started for Asheville in the midfield, and Kern expects even more this year from the former Roberson standout.
David Parra
Junior Sam Rossabi has been a steady player for the Blue & White during Andrew Sotak enjoyed a great prep and club career in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. his career. as a high school teammate of classmate Cole Schwietering. “We were really pleased with Sam this spring as he did a great job in our “Andrew has a lot to offer,” admitted Kern. “He’s had a superb youth career matches,” explained Kern. “He is one of the hardest-working players I’ve and is used to playing at a high level of competition. Andrew is a good server, ever been associated with. We think Sam is ready to have a big junior year.” but he’s quite capable of scoring a lot of goals, as well.” Stabler Cochrane didn’t play last season due to injuries. He did play in the FORWARD spring and made an impression on Kern. The Bulldogs appear to have some good talent returning up front plus some “Stabler played well for us in the spring and scored some goals,” said Kern. dynamic newcomers who could make this area a position of strength for “We’re looking for similar production from him this year.” Asheville in 2012. Senior David Parra has enjoyed some solid moments for the Bulldogs during Asheville native Kenneth Lingerfelt produced a solid sophomore campaign in his career and should be one of Asheville’s senior leaders this year. However, 2011 with two goals and two assists. The Bulldogs hope for more in 2012. he’s dealing with some injuries, and his health will be an ongoing concern in 2012. “We’re looking for Kenneth to have a breakout season this year,” explained Kern. “He has a knack for putting the ball into the back of the net. We just “If David is healthy and ready to go, he’ll be a key player for us this season,” need to keep him healthy this season.” admitted Kern. “He’s a versatile player who we can play anywhere on the field and be effective. But David didn’t play in the spring, and we just have to Sophomore Paul Egle can play as a central midfielder or as a striker. He see how healthy he is this season.” played in 15 matches last season and started in all of them.
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Kyle Lohn comes to Asheville via Union Academy in Indian Trail, N.C. “Rob is only going to be better this season after a year under his belt,” declared Kern. “We’re going to look to him to score more this year and be on “Kyle is physically quite strong and a hard worker,” said Kern. “He has the the attack more.” engine to always look to move forward and get into an attack mode.”
Patrick Phillip didn’t play much last fall as he appeared in four matches. In the “Paul will see playing time in both places this year,” said Kern. “He’s our best spring, Phillip played much more and impressed the Bulldog coaching staff. true passer and is fantastic in the open field. We’re looking for a big season from Paul.” “Patrick showed his potential last spring and performed quite well,” said Kern. “He plays well in tight spaces and is strong with the ball. We just need The Bulldogs have added a local high school All-American to the mix up to get Patrick some game experience, and he’ll help us.” front in Trey Hemphill.The Roberson HS product enjoyed an amazing career for the Rams. He earned All-American status last season by scoring 30 goals Joey Cutting is a sophomore who played in six matches in 2011. as a senior. “Joey is a good possession player,” stated Kern. “He played as a central mid- “We’re pretty excited that Trey chose UNC Asheville to continue his playing fielder last year, and we expect him to play there this season, as well.” career,” commented Kern. “He’s a fun player to watch. Trey can score goals, and he can also set up goals as a passer. He’s very crafty and creative with Three talented freshmen will jockey for playing time in 2012. the ball.” Texas native Emil Gonzalvez comes to Asheville via an old Bulldog friend. He Rayon Gibbs is a freshman striker from Mississippi whom Kern is excited played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Minnesota for long-time Bulldog head coach about. Steve Cornish. Shattuck is one of the top prep programs in the nation. “Rayon is an excellent attacker,” said Kern. “He’s a player who likes to run “We’re really excited about Emil coming into our program,” declared Kern. at other players and will have good chemistry teaming up with Kenneth “He’ll be our only left-footed player and can play in the back, as well. Emil Lingerfelt.” played for Steve Cornish on a very high level. He is very, very good with the ball, and he’ll see some playing time this season.”
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