Cal Poly, fresh off a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, hauled in a deep and talented group that Holocher is confident will be among the top-25 rated classes in 2009.

"The 2009 recruiting class is our third full recruiting class and we have again handpicked players that have the ambitious qualities that mirror our program's," Holocher said. "We look for young men not only with talent and character, but who are excited to compete for the highest honors. We are confident that these young men will become Mustang soccer standouts in the coming years."

Cal Poly's class of 2009 is headlined by midfielder Paul Islas. The Fresno, Calif. native is the No. 34-ranked prep in the nation according to TopDrawerSoccer.com. Islas has made multiple appearances with the U.S. U-17 squad, but isn't the only Mustang recruit with national team exposure. Mackenzie Pridham, a forward from Saratoga, Calif., was a member of the Canadian U-17 squad and received an invitation to participate at the Canadian U-20 World Cup Preparation Camp in December 2008.

Holocher went north — way north — to find another Canadian native, Ian Clark of Vancouver, British Columbia. Clark played in the youth system for Whitecaps FC, a competitive professional squad in Vancouver. Whitecaps offered Clark a contract to join its residency program, but the midfielder/forward opted instead to attend college at Cal Poly.

In what Holocher believes could end up being a recruiting coup, the Mustangs nabbed Michael Hocker from the eastern seaboard and away from a number of high-profile schools, including the Maryland Terrapins. Hocker's hometown of Olney, Maryland is just 17 miles from the Terrapins' campus. A product of Georgetown Prep, the outside mid received ample attention in 2008, including an appearance on the D.C. "Dream Team."

"As Cal Poly has grown in stature, it of course allows and requires us to venture nation-wide and internationally in search of talented players," Holocher said. "Michael Hocker is an example of that. He is a player from Maryland that many east coast programs would have loved to have, but he chose Cal Poly after a visit here and seeing first hand this amazing location and the high standard of the academic and athletic environment."

While Hocker's commitment was uncharted territory for previous Mustang recruiting efforts, Cal Poly found Ben Fisk from a familiar place. Fisk, an accomplished midfielder for Bellarmine Prep in Seattle, Wash., will reunite with former teammate and current Cal Poly starter Daniel Gray.

Jackson Ray became the first Oregon export to commit to Cal Poly during Holocher's tenure. Ray, a midfielder for Lake Oswego High School, was second-team All-State as a senior.

"We again looked throughout the greater West Region and found three players from the Northwest that we felt were terrific fits for the program: Jackson Ray (Oregon), Ben Fisk (Washington) and Ian Clark (Vancouver, Canada). All wanted the combination of top academics and soccer and world-class location that Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo offer," Holocher said.

Cal Poly also drew commitments from a bevy of talented Golden State products. Connor Burke (Westlake Village) and Sam Myerson (Agoura Hills) were on opposite sides of the pitch during their high school careers, but were a formidable force for one of the top club teams in California, Real So Cal.

Northern Californians Chris Gaschen and Jeff Strickland will also join Cal Poly's ranks. Gaschen was an NSCAA Scholar All-American and All-West Region selection in 2008. The midfielder/forward played club soccer with Strickland for San Juan Lightning. Strickland was also a three-year member of Cal North and the Region IV ODP squad and earned a spot in the U.S. U-17 player pool in 2006.

Add to the group goalkeeper Brett Finkelstein of Marin and outside mid Kevin Atkins of San Jose. A goalkeeper and center back for one of the top high school squads in the West Region, Finkelstein has tended the net for the U.S. at tournaments in Switzerland, Italy and Argentina and has been invited to participate in the Maccabiah Games in Israel this July. Atkins, meanwhile, has accomplished plenty as a member of the De Anza Force Academy. While ranging the midfield, Atkins set school records with six goals in a single game and 19 in 14 league matches.

"California is perhaps the best soccer region in the nation and naturally we will look to bring in the top players from our home state," Holocher said. "Our coaches covered the state and brought in some superb young men from Northern, Central and Southern California in this class. They know our goals here at Cal Poly are high and they are all excited to work hard towards them together."



Kevin Atkins, Outside Mid, 5'10" / 170 lbs
San Jose, Calif. / Archbishop Mitty HS / De Anza Force

ATKINS FILE — San Jose Mercury News 2008 All Central Coast Section selection … All-West Catholic Athletic League selection in 2008 … named Most Valuable Offensive Player for his squad in 2008 … set a single-game school record with six goals … tallied 19 times in 14 league matches in 2008, a school record … U.S. National Developmental Academy with De Anza Force since 2001 … played ODP at U15, U16 and U17 … Disney Showcase champions at U15 … Surf Cup semifinalists at U16.

HOLOCHER ON ATKINS — Kevin is a player that can change a game and create goals for himself and others. He played left-winger for his club side, DeAnza Force, and forward for his high school team. His pace, especially with the ball on the dribble, is exceptional and he has a power and strength about his game that can cause havoc for any defense. We feel he can compete physically now and he has the ability to mature into a special winger.

Connor Burke, Defender, 6'0" / 175 lbs
Westlake Village, Calif. / Westlake Village HS / Real So Cal

BURKE FILE — Trained with FC Barcelona and with Grecia, a Division II squad in Costa Rica … working with Steve Sampson in his GSI Academy over the last year and a half … three-year starter at Archbishop Mitty … All-West Catholic Athletic League First Team selection as a junior … All-CIF Second Team as a junior … did not play high school ball as a senior due to his participation with Real So Cal and Surf Cup Academy … U17 and U15 Surf Cup champions with FC Barcelona … Dallas Cup U16 semifinalist … international playing experience in Brazil, Spain and Costa Rica.

HOLOCHER ON BURKE — Connor is a very athletic, versatile defender. I have seen him play both center and left back, as well as defensive midfielder. He has a certain spring in his step that great one-versus-one defenders have that help them shut down the opponent. As he continues to develop his ability to read the game, organize those around him, intercept plays and build into our attack, he will be able to compete on the field at any of the back positions.

Ian Clark, Midfield/Forward, 6'2" / 170
Vancouver, B.C. / Vancouver Whitecaps FC

CLARK FILE — Joined Whitecaps Junior Academy in fall of 2008 … one of two players invited to join the Whitecaps Senior Residency Program, a direct feeder into their senior team, but turned the offer down to attend Cal Poly … played a leading role with a Whitecaps U17 squad that made the championship fixture at the Surf Cup … U18 Metro squad finished fourth at the Las Vegas Showcase … international tournament experience in Holland … in 2006/07, competed in Cordial Cup in Germany and Austria … trained with VFB Stuttgart in 2006/07.

HOLOCHER ON CLARK — Ian was a player that we saw late at the Surf Cup tournament only a few months ago when he came down with his Vancouver Whitecaps team. I liked him instantly because he competed very hard and was always an impact in the game with his effort. He has a lot of upside to his game. He has a long frame, but is agile like a smaller player. What I think is special is that he is very fast and can separate himself from others with his long, quick stride.  He has an attacking mentality and is eager to compete right away.

Brett Finkelstein, Goalkeeper, 6'1" / 200 lbs
Marin, Calif. / Marin Academy / Marin FC '91

FINKELSTEIN FILE — Invited to play on U.S. Youth Soccer Team at the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Israel in July 2009 … selected to play for Region IV ODP team in Italy in April 2008 … played for Cal North ODP team at Regional Championships in January 2008 … played for Region IV ODP team in Argentina in February, 2007, leading the U.S. to a 2-0 record … starting goalkeeper for Super Y ODP National Select U16 team in Swiss Cup in August 2006 and allowed just one goal in five tournament games … starting goalkeeper for Marin Academy squad in 2006 that finished 24-1-2, ranked No. 7 in the nation by the NSCAA.

HOLOCHER ON FINKELSTEIN — Brett is a young goalkeeper from Northern California who played for a very talented Marin United team and coach. He has a good sturdy frame that covers a lot of the goal, while still being agile enough to cover the corners and block shots. Much like Eric Branagan-Franco, he has very good feet, and actually played center back for his high-school team. He has terrific distribution to start an attack and also has exceptional leadership qualities. We feel that with increased athleticism and experience,  Brett could become a special goalkeeper in his time here at Cal Poly.

Ben Fisk, Midfield, 5'11" / 160 lbs
Seattle, Wash. / Bellarmine Prep / Crossfire Premier

FISK FILE — Four-year starter for Bellarmine Prep … WIAA State quarterfinalist in 2006 and 2007 … All-Narrows League First Team selection … two-year starting center midfielder for Crossfire Premier U.S. Soccer League Development Acdemy (2008-09) … squad finished second by one point in the Western Division in 2007-08 at 23-5-3 … three-time WSYSA state champions with Crossfire Premier and Federal Way Storm … Far West Region IV finalist in 2006 … Surf Cup quarterfinalist in 2007 … played with Crossfire at Manchester United Championships in 2006.

HOLOCHER ON FISK — Ben is a very good, intelligent soccer player. He has played defensive midfielder for a very talented Crossfire team in Washington and I saw many of the same traits in Ben that Anton Peterlin has had for us in the last few years as a defensive midfielder. He is a mobile athlete, has excellent endurance and knows this role well. He is very good in the air, likes to defend hard and he values the ball in possession. In the coming years, as he continues to build strength and experience, he will become a truly outstanding player.

Chris Gaschen, Midfield/Foward, 5'7"/ 145 lbs
Granite Bay, Calif. / Granite Bay HS / San Juan Lightning '91

GASCHEN FILE — NSCAA Scholar All-American … ESPN-Rise All-American Honorable Mention in 2008 … two-time NCAA All-West Region selection … ESPN National High School Player of the Week on Nov. 26 … Roseville Player of the Year … tallied 96 career goals and 51 assists, both school records … also set Granite Bay High School records with single-season marks in goals (35) and assists (18) … played club ball with San Juan Lightning '91 … Nor Cal State Cup champions in 2004 and 2005 … Region IV ODP member … played with Real San Juan Men's Team 2006-09.

HOLOCHER ON GASCHEN — Chris is a player that I love because of his competitiveness and spirit. He will find a way to make things happen as a forward or midfielder. He has a deceptive change of pace and can shoot equally well with both feet and, although he is not the biggest player, he has very good balance and timing in the air. He has a desire about him to not only score but to win, which we value very much here at Cal Poly.   Over the coming years he will develop into a key player in this program.

Michael Hocker, Outside Mid, 5'9" / 145 lbs
Olney, Mary. / Georgetown Prep / DC United U18

HOCKER FILE — Named to "D.C. Dream Team" in 2008 … Interstate Athletic Conference honors in 2006, 2007 and 2008 … IAC champions in 2006, 2007 … All-Montgomery County First Team in 2008, second team in 2007 … Region I ODP member … played for Potomac Development Academy in 2008, 2009 … state champions with Potomac Premiere Soccer Club in 2004 and 2005 … national championship semifinalists with Potomac Premiere in 2005 … Maryland State Cup finalists in 2006, 2007.

HOLOCHER ON HOCKER — Michael is a player with terrific pace and growing ability and confidence on the ball. We saw him play and dominate his side of the field, sending in terrific weighted crosses and being dangerous in general. His SPARQ testing in the U.S. Academy was near the tops in the country and we expect him to become an exceptional midfielder and winger. He is super coachable and excited about coming out West.

Paul Islas, Midfield/Forward, 5'8" / 160 lbs
Fresno, Calif. / Bullard HS / Odyssey

ISLAS FILE — The No. 34-ranked recruit in the class of 2009 according to TopDrawerSoccer.com … member of the U.S. player pool at U15, U17 and U18 … experience with Cal North and Region IV ODP teams … played in France, Italy, Uruguay and Argentina with U.S. squads … played in Costa Rica with Region IV team … member of USL Fresno Fuego … has scored 13 goals and notched three assists in seven matches for Bullard High School so far in 2009 … scored 23 goals and had 19 assists in 32 matches as a junior.

HOLOCHER ON ISLAS — Paul is a special player that grew up only a few hours from Cal Poly in Fresno. Having had experience with our U.S. National Teams, he has played in many big games. Paul displays many of the traits of a future professional with his technique, insight and explosiveness. He has very smart feet and the ability to pick up the ball and win a game on his own with a quick dribble and finish. Paul is also a wonderful young man, very coachable and eager to improve. We feel that he can compete right away in any of the attacking positions.

Mac Pridham, Forward, 6'0"/ 165 lbs
Saratoga, Calif. / Bellarmine College Prep / De Anza Force Academy

PRIDHAM FILE — Participated in Canadian National U20 Team World Cup Preparation Camp in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida from Dec. 14-22, 2008 … Super Y League ODP National Team selection to play in a tournament in Munich, Germany in 2007 … played for the Canadian National U17 team at the Chivas Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2007 … played club ball for De Anza Force … has played in Dallas Cup, Redbull College Showcase, finalist in Disney Showcase Tournament … won President's Cup, Disney Showcase and Super Y League National Championship in 2005/06.

HOLOCHER ON PRIDHAM — Mac is a player that I have liked for years. He has a good frame for a point forward and can hold the ball well with his back to the goal and link up his teammates. He also has a bit of creativity about him that we like in our players. He puts great effort into his game, is willing to work hard for his chances and, because of this, he finds opportunities to score in the box with both his feet and his head. Mac has also had a few call-ups with the Canadian U18 National team that have given him some bigger game experience. As he develops his experience and physical speed he will be a true goal-scoring threat.

Sam Myerson, Forward, 6'2" / 170 lbs
Agoura Hills, Calif. / Agoura Hills HS / Real So Cal

MYERSON FILE — Played club soccer for one of the top teams in California, Real So Cal … won a U15 National Title with Real So Cal … won Surf Cup in 2007 … played with Real So Cal U18 Academy Team in 2008/09 … international tournament experience at Denosti Cup in Spain and trained in Costa Rica with Municipal Grecia … coached and mentored by former U.S. National Team coach Steve Sampson while with Real So Cal in 2008/09 … four-year starter at Agoura Hills High School … broke a 23-year old school record in his junior year for most goals scored in a single season with 32 … All-Marmonte League First Team selection as a junior in 2008 …named Marmonte League Offensive Player of the Year in 2008.

HOLOCHER ON MYERSON — Sam is a wonderful young man that we really took to at our College Camp last summer. The first thing we all realized is that he has a goal-scorers mentality and instinct. He has a long frame that is still developing, and getting stronger. He has a first-class attitude and wants to get better. We feel he can be a player who will develop nicely in the coming years and score goals for Cal Poly.

Jackson Ray, Midfield, 5'11" / 160 lbs
Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lake Oswego HS / Westside Metros SC

RAY FILE — Second-team All-State in 6A as a senior … led Three Rivers League in goals … All-Three Rivers League First Team selection … 2008 ODP Region IV invitee … played club ball for Westside Metros … USYSA Region IV semifinalist at U17 and finalist at U16 … Surf Cup quarterfinalist and Oregon State Champion with the Metros U17 squad … U16 Metros finished their OYSA Premier League unbeaten and untied … selected for 1991 ODP squad.

HOLOCHER ON RAY — Jackson is another player that we liked from our summer College Camp. He is a player that I think could become a real standout here because of his intelligence and technique. He is just a very good soccer player and there isn't a position on the field that he couldn't play very well. He has grown up as an attacker, winger and forward because he has pace and can dribble, but we feel he can also play centrally in the midfield or become an attacking outside back.   He is maturing physically and with the right mentality he can become strong player here at Cal Poly.

Jeff Strickland, Center Back, 6'0" / 165 lbs
Davis, Calif. / Davis HS / San Juan Lightning '91

STRICKLAND FILE — Three year member of the Region IV ODP team …captain of the Region IV team that traveled to Italy… national pool member in 2006 … three-year letter winner at prep powerhouse Davis High School … high school squad was regionally ranked in each of his three years on varsity … Davis High finished 2007 ranked No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in Region VIII after compiling a 27-0-2 record … Davis High was 67-4-5 in Strickland's three years … two-time all-league selection … named Delta Valley League Defensive MVP in 2008 … plays club soccer for San Juan Lightning '91.

HOLOCHER ON STRICKLAND — Jeff is a player that has some great tools as a young center back. He has good size and developing strength, but he also has good ability on the ball and can be composed and safe with the ball while in the back. I think he has the ability to see and learn from two very good center backs already here at Cal Poly in Didion and Sigler.   He is versatile and we feel that he can play anywhere in the back line or perhaps centrally in the midfield.  We expect him to become physically stronger and that will prepare him to compete right away.

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