Head Coach Mis' Mrak today announced the signing of four incoming freshmen to National Letters of Intent for the 2006 men's soccer season.

Eric Jonas (Troy, Mich./Troy), Steve Shivley (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central), Ryan Schwarz (Rockford, Ill./Boylan Catholic) and Joel Wagner (Algonquin, Ill./Dundee Crown) will all join the Crusaders this fall as they look to build on last season's fourth-place finish in the Mid-Con.

Jonas, a 5'11" defenseman, was a member of the 2004 Olympic Development Program (ODP) State Team in his native Michigan. He was also part of the 2005 Super Y-League (SYL) Midwest Division Team and named to the 2004 SYL Midwest Division Regional Team in 2004. A three-year letterwinner at Troy High School, Jonas guided his club team, Vardar '88, to the 2005 Michigan State Cup Championship, Regional Championship and Youth Soccer National Championship.

Shively, a 5'7" forward/midfielder, scored the game-winning goal in the final minute of the 2005 Indiana High School State Championship Match, giving North Central their fifth state title this past fall. Shively also led Dynamo F.C. to a State Championship in 2004 after a runner-up finish in 2003 and was a member of the State ODP Team.

Schwarz, a 6'2" keeper, helped lead Boylan Christian to a Class AA State Runner-Up finish as a senior by allowing only 16 goals in 24 regular season games. A three-year varsity starter, Schwarz captained Boylan as a senior after earning team Most Valuable Player honors with Rockford United in 2004, leading the club to a third place finish in the Illinois State Cup.

Wagner, a 5'9" midfielder, earned All-Fox Valley Conference and All-Area recognition during time at Dundee Crown High School. Wagner also helped guide his Sockers F.C. Chicago ?A" club team to a pair of State Cup and Region 2 finals appearances.

The Crusaders will open the 2006 season early this fall looking to earn a second straight trip to the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament.