May 25, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB head coach Mike Getman announced the addition of two more newcomers who will play for the men's soccer team beginning next season. Daniel Martin (Vestavia, Ala./Vestavia HS) and Andrew Barsalona (Stoney Creek, Canada/Cardinal Newman Secondary) join previous signees Chris Williams (Pearl, Miss./Pearl HS) and Babyele Sodade (Windsor, Canada/Holy Names) as members of the 2008 men's soccer recruiting class.

"With the addition of Andrew and Daniel, this has turned in to a very good recruiting class," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "I expect all four of these young men to have a positive impact on our team and our campus."

Martin is a 5-11, 165-pound midfielder who has terrific potential and a knack for finding the back of the net. While at Vestavia High School playing under head coach Rick Grammer, Martin was the captain of his team and earned first-team all-metro accolades as a senior. Following his junior season where he competed in the State of Alabama All-Star game, Martin led his team offensively, as he collected 23 goals and 17 assists as a senior.

Martin played his club soccer with the Vestavia Steamers under coach Luke Whittle.

Getman feels Martin is capable of making a big impact at UAB.

"Daniel is quick and athletic," Getman said. "His versatility gives him the ability to play several positions. I expect him to be very successful with us."

Like Martin, Barsalona is a midfielder who has a lot of talent and has the ability to challenge for playing time right away. While at Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School under head coach Mark Kovacs, Barsalona was the team's leading scorer and selected as the team's captain and most valuable player last season.

Barsalona played his club soccer under coach Phil Iafrati with the Oakville Bluestars. He led his team to the 2007 Under-17 Ontario Indoor Soccer League championship. Barsalona is also a member of the Canadian U15-U17 Youth National Team.

Getman is excited about the addition of Barsalona and sees him as someone who can come and contribute immediately.

"Andrew is a very exciting player," Getman said. "He brings speed and skill to our midfield. I expect him to make a big impact right away."

The duo joins Sodade and Williams, who signed with the team back in early February.

Sodade played at Holy Names High School under head coach Dave Kollof. He helped lead Holy Names to back-to-back Provincial Championships in 2006 and 2007. He was tabbed first-team all-city and first-team all-region in 2006 and 2007, and was also named the 2006 Junior Athlete of the Year. Additionally, he was a three-time most valuable player at Holy Names in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Sodade played his club ball with Windsor FC National club team under head coach Frank Chiandussi. While there, Sodade helped lead his squad to the Ontario Cup finals in 2007.

"Babayele is a great athlete and a great student," Getman said. "He is exactly the kind of person we want at UAB. I expect him to compete right away."

Getman also expects Williams to become a solid contributor. The 6-2, 195 pound midfielder comes to UAB after a standout career with Pearl (Miss.) High School and the Mississippi Fire. Williams played under head coach Andy Kivlan at Pearl HS where he helped his team four state championship titles in his four seasons (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008). He was also voted the team MVP and earned all-state accolades during his junior season.

Furthermore, he set the Mississippi High School record with 39 assists during his sophomore season.

While playing with the Fire under head coach Kenny White, Williams helped lead the team to four state cup championships (2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005). He also led his team in scoring in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

"Chris is a terrific soccer player who will help us right away," Getman said. "We got to know him through our camps so he has experience working with our coaches. He is going to have a great career at UAB."