FAIRFAX, Va. – Though the 2015-16 academic school year comes to an end this week, the George Mason men's soccer team is already getting a boost for next season with two new additions.
Head coach Greg Andrulis has announced that incoming freshmen Raheem Lawal and Matt Scoliere will join the 2016 signing class. Lawal and Scoliere give the Patriots 10 new faces for the 2016 season, which will begin in August. The 2016 signing class features eight freshmen – Tunde Akinlosotu, Lewis Long, Nick Malinowski, Jackson Miles Ryan Mingachos, Grant Robinson, Lawal and Scoliere – and two transfers – Graydon Hester and Tolu Ibikunle.
Lawal, a 6-foot forward, scored 61 goals in 44 career games at George Mason High School in nearby Falls Church. He also scored seven goals in a game once. He has been named a First Team All-District, All-State, All-Region selection in addition to Honorable Mention All-Met by the Washington Post.
He is currently a member of the DC United U18 USSF Academy team. He was the leader in goals for DC United U14 and U15 and co-leader in goals for DC United U16. He has attended the U.S. Training Center and is a three-time Generation Adidas Cup attendee. He was also a member United States Youth Soccer's State Olympic Development Program and went on an international trip to France.
“Raheem is a wonderful and intelligent young man,” Andrulis said. “He has pure speed that can cause defensive back lines a lot of problems. He's one of the best local players in our area and we are excited to have him.”
Scoliere, a 5-foot-9 midfielder, was a four-year starter at Dublin Scioto High School in Dublin, Ohio. He earned all-conference and all-district honors and recorded 12 goals and 10 assists as a senior.
He played club soccer for Ohio Premier, which is coached by David Winner and is a five-time state cup champion. Premier also won the 2014 National League Championship and reached the UYSA national finals. There, Scoliere and Ohio Premier lost to DC United U18 USSF Academy and future George Mason teammates Tunde Akinlosotu and Grant Robinson on penalty kicks.
He also participated in the 2015 Dallas Cup, advancing to the U17 Super Group semifinals. Soccer runs in the family as his older sisters, Danielle and Megan, both played collegiately at Ohio State.
“Matt is a terrific young man who is a winner on and off the field,” Andrulis said. “He is a tough competitor and had the good fortune of being part of very successful club and high school programs. We are excited to have Matt join the Mason soccer family.”
