Ryan Pearce, a goalkeeper from South Amherst, Ohio, has announced that he will continue his education and his soccer career at Mount Vernon Nazarene College.
Pearce, who was a four-year member of the varsity soccer program at Open Door Christian School, was named to the All-Greater Cleveland Team and the Lorain County Team following his senior season.
"Ryan will compete as our third goalkeeper this fall," said head coach Paul Furey. "He brings a lot of soccer experience and solid foot skills for a keeper. He proved that he deserved the final spot at this position as we had quite a number of players try out."
"Ryan is also a solid young man who you like to have as part of your squad," Furey added. "He will help add positively to our team chemistry."
In addition to his accomplishments on the soccer field, Pearce was a two-year member of National Honor Society at Open Door Christian, and he received the Congressional Service Award as a senior. He also was on Student Council for three years and served as the Student Body President his senior year.
"I was looking for a Christian college where I could get a solid education and also play soccer," said Pearce as to why he chose to attend MVNC. "I have been able to experience MVNC for three years thanks to my brother Todd (a senior on the Cougar squad). I feel that this is the best choice for me."
The Cougars are coming off the best season in school history in which they posted a 19-8 overall record and finished third at the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament in their first-ever appearance. The team graduated four seniors but return a solid core of starters and key reserves which should lead to another exciting season in 1999.
