The athlete: Jeremy returns for his fourth and final season as a Lion…has played in 51 total games in his career at Vanguard, starting 50 of those contests…earned All-GSAC as a junior in 2008…also garnered recognition as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete…has posted two points in his career despite playing the backfield position…came to VUSC from Chino High School…2006 high school graduate…played for Coach Matt Montello in the Sierra League…Team MVP…Defensive MVP…two-time first team All-Sierra League...two-time team captain…three-sport high school athlete…ran cross country and track…played club soccer for the Chino Hills Stampede…has played soccer for 15 years…tall defender…aggressive style of play…good nose for the ball…impact player who will not be intimidated by the opponents…solid skills and instincts have led him to be one of the top defenders in the conference…solid rock for the Vanguard defense.

The person: Jeremy Todd was born in Pomona, California to his parents Carl and Terri Hampton…has one brother…carried a 3.95 GPA at CHS…majoring in History & Political Science …likes to eat at "BJ’s"…favorite athlete is John Terry…loves the movie "Wedding Crashers" and the television shows "That 70’s Show"…favorite color is blue…favorite Bible verse is Phil. 4:13…is a Manchester United and UCLA fan…enjoys sports and going to the beach…favorite actors are Will Smith and Megan Fox…most respects his dad…says integrity is the most important characteristic for a person to have…soccer has taught him respect, responsibility, and character…career goal is to be successful at something he loves.

Coach Dodge’s Statement: Jeremy is a strong team leader who is a commanding presence in the backfield.

The athlete: Ryan is back for his senior season in a Vanguard uniform…had a career-best season as a junior in 2008…scored 15 points, with six goals and three assists…has 18 points in his three years at VUSC…has notched two game-winning goals for the Lions, one in each of the past two years…comes to Vanguard from Troy High School where he played for Coach Mike Silzer in the Freeway League…2006 graduate…Freeway League MVP as a senior…1st team All-CIF…1st team All-League…THS MVP…two-time THS Team Captain…helped THS earn the 2006 Freeway League Championship…led THS into the CIF Quarterfinals as a senior…played club soccer for the Fullerton Force…has played the game for 10 years…good ball skills…leader on the field for the Lions…should have another good statistical season.

The person: Ryan Joseph was born on August 10, 1988 in Anaheim, California…mother is Linda Bagne…has one older brother…nickname is "Rhino"…majoring in Accounting…favorite professional athlete is Jozy Altidore…likes to eat at the "Red Lobster"…prefers the colors green and blue and the number 21…loves the movie "Chaos"…watches "How I Met Your Mother" on television…roots for the Miami Hurricanes…most important characteristic for a person to have is for them to be trustworthy…soccer has taught him hard word and commitment…learned in life that you gotta go get what you want.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the team.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Ryan is very well-liked by all his teammates and they look to him for guidance and leadership.

The athlete: Eric is back for his senior season, his second campaign with the Vanguard soccer program…played in all 17 of the VU contests last season, starting 14 of those games…recorded one goal, which was a game-winner, as a junior…came to the Lions after spending 2003-2006 at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA…played for Head Coach Glenn Strachen and led the team with seven assists in 2005…tallied a total of eight goals and 11 assists in two seasons…graduated from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, CA in 2003…played for Head Coach Ryan Hernandez…also ran track…has played soccer for 17 years…very clean with the ball…makes good decisions on offense…proved his value in 2008, and will look to finish off his collegiate career with a strong showing in 2009.

The person: Eric Michael was born in Fountain Valley, CA on October 30, 1985 to parents Michael and Nella…has two brothers and one sister…nicknames are "Nut" and "Nutter"…majoring in Communications…likes eating at "PF Changs"…watches the Lakers on TV…favorite movie is "Hangover"…favorite Bible verse is Phil. 4:13…roots for Chelsea…sports hero is Kobe Bryant…hobbies include golf, basketball, and sleeping…most respects his mother, who is amazing…learned that life is a journey and a learning process…soccer has taught him that teamwork and unity are the keys to success…career goal is to be successful at whatever he does.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard are the small classes and the close community.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: As a player with tons of experience, Eric’s leadership in invaluable.

The athlete: Andrew arrives at VUSC from Santiago Canyon College in Orange, California, as a junior…played for coach Wade Frasier for two seasons at SCC…played a defensive role for the first time in his career…will continue to play defense as a member of the Lions…played for Head Coach Donald Skaff at Tesoro High School…graduated from THS in 2005…has played soccer for 15 years, including three years as a member of Pateadores Soccer Club…fast defender…brings lots of experience to the roster…strong attack skills from the defensive position…should contribute immediately for VU.

The person: Andrew was born on January 8, 1987, to parents Oscar and Adriana…birthplace is Mission Viejo, California…has two sisters, Darlene and Noelia…majoring in sociology at VUSC…likes to eat at "In-N-Out"…favorite movie is "Shawshank Redemption", and TV Show is "The Office"…likes the color grey and the number 8…hobbies include mountain biking, road biking, and ocean activities…believes good communication is the best characteristic one can possess…life has taught him that patience, respect, and intelligence are the keys…the game of soccer has helped him develop a strong work ethic.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the Christian outlook.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Andrew is a vocal leader who works very hard. He will step in and be a leader right away.

The athlete: Tomislav returns for his third season as a member of the Vanguard Soccer program…had two very successful campaigns his first two seasons, garnering All-GSAC recognition in both freshman and sophomore years…notched one goal in 2008, but dished out five assists, second on the team…has recorded 20 points in his career, scoring seven goals and adding six assists…has three game-winning scores, helping Vanguard’s offensive attack… played club soccer in Serbia…has been playing for 15 years…one of the most talented athletes in the conference…tremendous ball skills and soccer IQ…is a threat to score every time he gets a touch…Lions will rely on a another fantastic season from one of their best players.

The person: Tomislav was born in Indija, Serbia to parents Radica and Tina on October 13, 1987…has one younger brother…teammates, coaches, and peers often call him "Serb"…majoring in International Business…likes Serbian food…favorite movie is "Step Brothers"…likes the color blue and the number seven…roots for FC Chelsea…sports hero is Zenedine Zidane…likes to play volleyball…most respects his father because he sacrificed a lot for his family…learned in life to never give up, think before you do things, and to work hard…career goal is to finish college and play professionally.

His thoughts: My favorite quote from Albert Einstein, "Imagination is sometimes more important than knowledge."

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Tomislav is a great leader for the team on and off the field. He has an amazing motor that never stops running on the field. His commitment to his faith has a positive impact on the younger players. 

The athlete: Scott is back in action as a Lion after two solid seasons for the Blue and Gold…played in all 17 games for Vanguard last fall, starting each contest…earned All-GSAC recognition for his efforts as a sophomore…notched one goal, in only eight shots on goal in 2008…added one assist as well…has posted seven points in his two years of on-field action…redshirted in 2006…came to Vanguard from Hills Sports High School in Australia…named to state combined high school squad and the All-State team…played club soccer for the Hills Brumbies…has played soccer for 18 years…good size and soccer experience…solid playmaking abilities…great presence in the midfield for VUSC…one of the most talented players in the conference…should have another impactful season.

The person: Scott was born on June 9, 1987 in Sydney, Australia…parents are Barry Falkner and Donna Gonder…has one older sister…majoring in Business at Vanguard…sports hero is Kelly Slater…likes to eat hamburgers at "In-n-Out"…favorite Scripture is Psalms 112…watches "The Simpsons" on television…favorite move is "The Castle"…enjoys surfing…believes that being honest and genuine are the most important characteristics for a person to have…learned that life is not easy, but travelling is sweet…soccer has taught him discipline…most respects his mum for how hard she works.

His thoughts: My favorite things about Vanguard are its location and the good people here.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Scott is a great Christian leader for us on and off the field. Guys look for his leadership during the games.

The athlete: Landon returns to the Vanguard soccer program for his third campaign…has been a solid contributor in both seasons he has played…scored three goals as a sophomore, two of which were game-winners…has recorded eight points in his two seasons, despite only eight shots on goal...has provided the Lions with an excellent spark off the bench…joined the Vanguard scene after a wonderful career at Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo…played for Head Coach Roger Castle and was All-League Selection in 2006 and 2007…2007 leading scorer and varsity scholar athlete…played ten years for the United Soccer Club, Strikers Soccer Club and Mission Viejo Soccer club…also ran track…has played soccer for 16 years…very good scholar and brings that knowledge to the field with him…hard worker…able to score goals and plays well in clutch situations...another terrific season seems in store for Landon.

The person: Landon James was born in Hayward, CA on June 6, 1989 to parents Ramiro and Kristin…twin brother Trevor also plays for VU, younger brother Derek…majoring in Biology….loves eating at "Chipotle"…blue is his favorite color and the nine is his favorite number…favorite movie is "The Departed" and TV shows are "Dexter" and "Lost"…sports hero is Landon Donovan…hobbies include watching movies, playing golf and basketball…most respects his father, who is his mentor…life has taught him to roll with the punches…has learned perseverance from the game of soccer…career goal is to have a medical career.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard are the people.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Landon has a flair for the dramatic by scoring big goals. He is very diligent on and off the field.

The athlete: Trevor returns to the Pride following two highly successful seasons as a member of the squad…was named All-GSAC as a sophomore in 2008, after his great season…in 17 games, notched 59 saves, and posted 4 shutouts…had a solid 1.09 goals against average…as a freshman, was in goal for 15 of the 16 games allowing just 1.34 goals per game and notching a 72.5% save clip…has 17 wins in goal for his career at VUSC…over 100 saves and nine total shutouts in just two years …went to Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo, CA…played for Head Coach Roger Castle and was South Coast League All-League selection in 2006 & 2007…Scholar Athlete 2005-2007…had 13 shutouts in 28 games allowing least amount of goals in South Coast League…played for United Futbol Club and the Irvine Striker…has played soccer for 16 years…very good hands…fantastic vocal leader and very aggressive coming off his line…one of the premier young keepers in the country.

The person: Trevor John was born in Hayward, CA on June 6, 1989 to parents Ramiro and Kristin…twin brother Landon also plays for VU, and also has a younger brother Derek…majoring in History/Political Science…loves all holidays…soccer has taught him how to overcome differences…career goal is to successful in every area of life.

His Thoughts: My favorite thing about Vanguard is the people here.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: As a goalkeeper, he marshall’s his box with great authority. He has the ability to change games with his play. 

The athlete: Ryan rejoins the Lions for his third season on the team…started 13 of the 16 games he played as a sophomore…was the second-leading point-scorer for VUSC, with 14…had four goals and added six assists…appeared in 15 of the 16 games in 2007 as a freshman…came to the Lions after graduating from Vista High School in Vista, CA…played for Head Coach Daniel Salas in the Avocado League…First Team All-North County in 2007...First Team All-Avocado League in 2007…Best Offensive Player in 2004, 2006 and 2007…played one season with the Temecula Valley Soccer Academy Hawks…has played soccer for 13 years…very fast and skillful, has the ability to set up goals…a threat every time he gets a touch…should boost the Vanguard attack with his ability to stretch defenses.

The person: Ryan was born on May 5, 1989 in Whittier, CA to parents Robert and Laura…has two sisters, Allie and Olivia…major is sociology…likes to eat at "Chronic Cantina"…likes the color green and the number 12…roots for Barcelona…sports hero is Jerry Rice…enjoys watching "ESPN" on TV…favorite movie is "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and actor is Will Ferrell…favorite Scripture is Proverbs 18…believes the most important characteristics for a person to have are honesty and loyalty…most respects his dad because he is a hard worker…has learned that life goes by fast…soccer has taught him dedication and determination…career goal is to get a degree.

His thoughts: What I like most is the atmosphere.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: We are looking for Ryan to be one of our leaders in points again this season. He has a knack for scoring goals.

The athlete: Brian joins the Lions as a junior transfer from nearby Orange Coast College…played two seasons for coaches Glenn Stracian and Laird Hayes in the Orange Empire conference…showed his talent level by notching a hat trick in his first collegiate game at OCC…graduated from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California in 2007…was second team all-conference at NHHS…was also named the captain of his squad…played two years of club soccer…tall target who will provide VUSC with another scoring option…brings great college game experience to the young roster of Vanguard...displays a great attitude and character.

The person: Brian was born on September 19, 1989 to parents Mark and Dawn, in Orange, California…has one brother and one sister…majoring in religion and youth leadership at VU…enjoys eating at "Chipotle"…loves to watch the movie "Happy Gilmore" and the TV show "Lost"…favorite color is blue and number is 20…likes the Bible verses from Ephesians 6:10-20…roots for Liverpool and Fernando Torres…hobbies include surfing and snowboarding…believes honesty is the best characteristic one can possess…most respects his mom because she has done so much for him…has learned that life is short, so live it to the fullest…soccer has taught him to mentally and physically strong…career goal is to be a youth pastor in another country.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because of the people, the team, and for the academics.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Brian is a solid Christian who leads by example. He is one of the hardest working people on the field. Brian’s faith and experience will put him in a spiritual leader roll right away.

The athlete: Victor is back at Vanguard for his junior season, his second go-around with the Lions…started 14 of the 17 games he played in 2008…scored two goals, in just five shots on goal…dished out three assists as well, good for seven total points…arrived at VU after spending a year at Palomar Junior College in San Marcos, CA…played at GSAC rival Point Loma Nazarene University in 2006 where he started in eight of 14 game appearances…had one assist and three shots on goal while at PLNU…graduated in 2006 from Vista High School in Vista, CA where he played for Head Coach Danny Salas…led Vista to a league title scoring 15 goals and nine assists…first team North County, All-Conference, All-Avocado League and offensive player of the year…played three years with the RSF Attack…also ran track…has been playing soccer for over ten years…very quick…hard, passionate player…stretches defenses with his speed…should be able to reproduce his success from a year ago.

The person: Victor H. Tapia was born in San Diego, CA on March 26, 1988 to parents Victor and Sofia…has four sisters…majoring in Business Administration…likes eating tacos at "King Taco"…favorite movie is "Goal" and TV Show is "The T.O. Show"…likes the color blue and the number seven…roots for Real Madrid…sports hero is Cristiano Renaldo…favorite actor is Chris Tucker…hobbies include soccer, movies and hanging out with friends and family…most respects his father because he made him who he is…learned that life is too short to worry about one problem…soccer has taught him determination, strength, and responsibility…career goal is maybe a professional soccer played and get a degree.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard are the environment and the soccer team.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Victor is a very likeable guy who gets along with everyone on the team. He is a hard worker and never complains. He will be a leader on and off the field this year.

The athlete: Cody is back at Vanguard for his sophomore season…played in three games for the Lions as a freshman, all at the goalkeeper position…recorded two saves and did not give up a goal in 135 minutes of action…came to Vanguard after graduating from Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo, CA in 2008…played for Head Coach Kevin Ostugi where he was named OC Register Player of the Week and helped his team reach the CIF Quarterfinals…played three years of club soccer with the United Futbol Club…has played soccer for 10 years…provides depth at the keeper position, which will be a huge factor in determining how successful the Lions can be this season.

The person: Cody Alan was born in Newport Beach, CA on June 30, 1990 to parents Alan and Lisa…is an only child…plans to major in Religion…likes eating at "Chipotle", and prefers Cookie Dough ice cream…enjoys watching "Home Improvement" on TV…likes the movie "Endless Summer"…favorite Bible verse is John 3:16…favorite color is blue…hobbies include anything outdoors…most respects Jesus for living a perfect life…learned that the purpose in life is to serve God…believes character is an essential quality for a person to have…soccer has taught him mental toughness.

His thoughts: I love Vanguard because of my friends.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Cody has a tremendous work ethic and is a great influence on the team.

The athlete: Timothy returns to the Vanguard soccer program for his second season with the Lions…played in 14 games for VUSC, starting one of those games…comes to the Lions from Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, Arizona, a high school that is no stranger to soccer success…played for Head Coach Brian Sabato where he was a two-time Second Team All-Central Region player, team captain and Joe Sellah award winner…played nine years of club soccer with the Ahwatukee Foothills Soccer club…has played soccer for 14 years…contended for playing time as a freshman, and should do the same in 2009…comes from a winning high school program, which helps his experience level…had a fantastic spring of 2008, and the Lions hope he will continue that success.

The person: Timothy was born in Phoenix, Arizona on July 2, 1990 to parents Rod and Camy…step father Kim Rish and sister Tracy…plans to major in marketing at VUSC…loves eating burritos at "Chipotle"…favorite color is green and number is two…likes watching "Transformers" and his favorite TV show "Family Guy"…favorite actress is Megan Fox…roots for the Green Bay Packers…sports hero is Larry Fitzgerald…hobbies include soccer, Halo and Guitar Hero…most respects his friends…has learned that life is hard…soccer has taught him courage and more about life.

His thoughts: I like everything about Vanguard.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Tim is a hard working player that is stepping into more leadership opportunities.

The athlete: David arrives at Vanguard from GSAC rival Azusa Pacific University, where he played one season…played for Coach Phil Wolf, and was a part of the APU team that won the GSAC and National Championship in 2007…scored three goals that season…graduated from Tesoro High School in Las Flores, California in 2006…played under Head Coach Donald Skaff…was named two-time All-league while at THS…made the All-CIF second team as a senior as well…has played soccer for 16 years…will be relied upon to provide experience at the point forward position for VU…efficient ball handler and passer…good size and strength…should aid the Lions offensive attack.

The person: Adam David was born on October 20, 1988, to parents David and Judy in Westminster, California…plans on majoring in business administration at Vanguard…enjoys eating at "Jalapenos", or any other Mexican food…favorite movie is "Rules of Engagement"…likes watching "Flight of the Concords" on TV…favorite color is blue and number is 19…likes the Bible verse Philippians 4:13…roots for F.C. Barcelona and Carlos Puyol…favorite actor is Will Smith…hobbies include going to the back, hanging out with friends, and listening to music…believes love is the most important characteristic a person can have…soccer has taught him teamwork.

His thoughts: I chose to come to Vanguard because it is a great Christian school and provided a chance to play soccer.

Coach Dodge’s comments: A transfer from APU, David provides experience and leadership, and will be a welcome addition to the team. 

The athlete: Kyle comes to Vanguard University from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois…played for Coach Kevin Kalish at SIU, where he played for one season…before SIU, graduated from Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California, in 2008…played for current VUSC assistant Jeff Schofield in the Sunset League…played three seasons of club soccer with Pateadores…has played the game for 15 years…one of the most skilled athletes on the team…provides great ball control from the middle of the field…doesn’t make many mistakes…will redshirt the 2009 season.

The person: Kyle Patrick was born to parents Patrick and Jean on May 27, 1990, in Garden Grove, California…has one younger sister, Jordan…"O.B." will major in business at VU…enjoys eating at "Chipotle"…prefers to watch the movie "Happy Gilmore" and the TV show "Date My Mom"…favorite color is green and number is 17…roots for David Beckham…likes to surf when he is not playing soccer…believes a good personality is an essential quality for an individual to have…respects David Beckham for his soccer skills…life has taught him respect…has learned from soccer to be committed and to have optimism…career goal is to win a National Championship in soccer.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard to get a top-notch education and because of the soccer program.

Coach Dodge’s comments: "O.B." is a midfielder who will come in and be a leader right away. He is a great guy on and off the field, and a person you can build your team around.

The athlete: Jordan is back in a Blue and Gold uniform for his sophomore season, following a highly successful inaugural year…played every minute in all 17 games a season ago, providing the Lions with another solid defensive option…recorded four points on just two shots on goal in 2008…had one goals and a pair of assists…arrived at VU after graduating from Etiwanda High School in Etiwanda, CA in 2008…was first team All-League 2007 and Best Defensive Player for Head Coach Brent Broadhurst…played six years of club soccer for Arsenal…has played soccer for 14 years…very technical player…a left-footer who could be one of the top left backs in the conference…very smart and can tackle very well…should challenge for All-GSAC honors as a sophomore.

The person: Jordan Patrick was born in Fontana, CA on January 29, 1990 to parents John and Valerie…has two brothers and two sisters who all played soccer…majoring in Kinesiology at VU…enjoys eating at "In-N-Out"…favorite movie is "Old School" and likes to watch "ESPN" on TV…prefers the color green and the number two…thinks that being trustworthy is important…most respects his dad…life has taught him to live everyday like it is his last…soccer has taught him discipline…career goal is to become a professional soccer player.

His Thoughts: My favorite thing about Vanguard is the soccer team.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Jordan is the future of Vanguard soccer as a leader. This is the year for him to step up vocally.

The athlete: Scott is back for his sophomore season as a part of the Vanguard soccer program…saw action in eight contests last season…only took one shot on goal, and made the most of it by scoring…came to VU after graduating from Saddleback Valley Christian High School in San Juan Capistrano, CA in 2008…played for Head Coach Rob Hinkelmen where he was First Team All-League and MVP…also was a cross country MVP and played four years total of club volleyball and cross country…has played soccer for ten years…good speed and solid work rate…has the ability to play multiple positions…will challenge for playing time in 2009.

The person: Scott was born in Mission Viejo, CA on Valentine’s Day, 1990 to parents Steve and Judy…has one brother and one sister…majoring in pre-physical therapy…loves to eat everything, but especially steak…likes to watch "24" on TV…favorite color is blue and number is five…favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13…roots for the Netherlands National Team…says trust is the most important characteristic for a person to have…learned in life that friends get you through…soccer has taught him to be flexible.

His thoughts: The thing I like most about Vanguard is the people.

Coach Dodge’s thoughts: Scott is a good Christian athlete who provides spiritual leadership on the team. 

The athlete: Eric arrives at Vanguard via the College of San Mateo in San Mateo, California…has not played soccer since he played at Alma Heights High School in Pacifica, California…played for Head Coach Scott Chapman at AHHS, where he earned a 4.0 GPA…has played soccer for 14 years…hard working athlete who puts the team first…will learn to adapt to the quicker pace of college soccer.

The person: Erick Matthew was born on April 28, 1988, in Pacifica, California…parents are Gerry and Debbie…has two brothers…likes eating at "BJ’s"…favorite movie is "The Dark Knight" and TV show is "24"…prefers the color green and the number 13…Galatians 2:20 is his favorite Bible verse…roots for the Manchester United…sports hero is Wayne Rooney…hobbies include snowboarding and ping-pong…believes integrity is an important characteristic to possess…most respects Daniel Johnson, because he is completely submitted to God…has learned in life to trust God even though we don’t know why He does some things…soccer has taught him discipline…career goal is to go into missions.

His thoughts: I came to Vanguard because it was highly recommended by friends who are VU alumni.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Erick is a good Christian guy who will be a spiritual leader for us. He is very giving and loves to be a part of the team.

The athlete: Alex arrives at Vanguard University from Servite High School in Anaheim, California…graduated from SHS in 2008 with a 3.0 GPA…played for Head Coach Mike Lussier in the Trinity League…was named All-League, All-CIF, and All-Area in high school…holds the Servite record for most games played and started in a career, as well as most minutes played in a career…has played the game for 14 years…part of Pateadores Club Academy…brings a high level of soccer to the program immediately…can beat defenders one-on-one…hard-worker and smooth with the ball…will contend for playing time right away…should be an impact player for VUSC now as well as the future.

The person: Alejandro was born on August 31, 1990, to parents Rolando and Yazmin…born in Anaheim, California…has one brother and one sister…nickname is "A-Lo"…is undecided on his major…"Chipotle" is his favorite place to eat…likes the movie "Accepted"…favorite color is white and number is 19…roots for Barcelona and Lionel Messi…favorite Bible verse is Mark 10:27…believes optimism is the best character trait to have…most respects his father…life has taught him not to take things for granted…has learned from soccer to never give up…career goal is to play soccer professionally.

His thoughts: A-Lo may be our hardest working player on the field. He loves to play the game and will sacrifice everything for his team to win. 

The athlete: Marvin comes to VUSC from Century High School in Santa Ana, California…graduated from CHS with a 3.5 GPA in 2008…played for Head Coach Bruce Silverman at Century…was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year as well as the most improved player on the CHS team…also played tennis and football, and ran track, in high school…has played soccer for 12 years, and one of those years was spent with Coquista America soccer club…provides the Lions with a big, strong option in the center backfield position…will contend for playing time this season, and will certainly be relied upon in the future.

The person: Marvin was born on November 8, 1991, to parents Nicolas and Rocio…has one brother and two sisters…plans on majoring in communications at VUSC…enjoys eating at any Italian Restaurant…likes the movie "Scarface" and the TV Show "That 70’s Show"…favorite color is green and number is four…roots for Manchester United…favorite actor is Ben Stiller…when he isn’t playing soccer, he trains Brazilian jiu jitsu…believes honesty is an essential quality trait to have…most respects his mom…has learned that life is hard and will get even harder…soccer has taught him teamwork and respect for others…career goal is to pursue a career in law enforcement.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because it is a great school and the soccer team is very good.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Marvin is a strong character guy who is willing to do anything that coaching staff asks him to do. He will battle for playing time this season and will be looked upon as a leader in the future.

The athlete: Celestino joins the Blue and Gold from Amino Leadership Charter High School in Inglewood, California…played for Coach Sergio Medraro at ALCHS…graduated in 2009…was a member of the Amino squads that won the CIF Championship in 2006-2007…high school teammate of current VU teammate Jonathan Martin…has played soccer for 11 years…excellent vision and ball handling skills…works very hard to get better…could see time on the field this season, but will certainly contribute as he improves…should have a solid career with the Lions.

The person: Celestino was born to on June 28, 1991 to parents Celestino and Maria…has two older brothers and one younger sister…is undecided on his major at Vanguard…enjoys eating at "Tio Tacos"…favorite movie is "Transformers 2" and TV show is "George Lopez"…likes the color red and the number 11...favorite professional team is Chivas…roots for Ronaldinho…likes watching anything with Megan Fox in it…regards trust as the most important character trait…most respects his dad…life has taught him that nothing is handed to you…has learned from soccer to trust and have respect…career goal is to become a sports medicine doctor.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because of the soccer, the small school, and because it was not far from home.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Celestino is a hard-working player who will do anything that is asked of him. He garners respect with his ability and great attitude.

The athlete: Adam comes to VU from Aliso Viejo High School in Aliso Viejo, California…graduated in 2009 with a 3.2 GPA…played for current VU coach Randy Dodge at AVHS…earned All-League recognition while at Aliso…was an integral part of the team that won the league championship his senior season…has played soccer for 13 years…brings good size and speed to the defensive backfield of the Lions…very good skills in the air…will be a pivotal player for VUSC in the future.

The person: Adam Robert was born on January 19, 1991, in Orange County…parents are Robert Hemingway and Jill Andersen…has one brother…has not decided a major at VU…enjoys eating at "Chipotle"…favorite movie is "Tommy Boy" and TV show is "Royal Pains"…prefers the color red…roots for Manchester United…Christmas is his favorite holiday…thinks a good sense of humor is important for someone to have…most respects his High School Pastor, Jeff Wagner…soccer has taught him discipline…career goal is to become an Athletic Director.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because it is close to home and it is a good Christian school.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Adam is a hard worker who never complains, and leads with his hard-work me

The athlete: Jonathan comes to the Vanguard soccer program from Amino Leadership Charter High School in Inglewood, California…graduated in 2009…played for Coach Sergio Medrano at Amino High…high school teammate of current VU teammate Celestino Diaz…was a member of the ALCHS squad that was the CIF Champions in 2006-2007…was a member of the South Bay Force for two seasons…left-footed defender…very skilled…good size and solid tackling skills…reads the game well…should have a good career for the Blue and Gold.

The person: Jonathan was born October 27, 1991, to parents Adalberto and Araceli…born in Inglewood, California…has not yet decided a major at Vanguard…likes to eat at "Tio Tacos"…favorite movie is "Superbad" and TV show is "SportsCenter"…likes the number 20 and the color blue…roots for the LA Dodgers…likes watching Christiano Ronaldo play soccer…favorite actress is Megan Fox…believes the most important quality to possess is respectfulness…most respects his mom, because she a tough woman…has learned to value each second of life…soccer has taught him to be a good leader.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard because of the soccer, the small school, and because it is close to home.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Jonathan is a great scholar and a good kid. We look for him to be a leader in our back line in the future.

The athlete: Mario arrives at Vanguard University by way of Belgrade, Serbia…graduated from Nedezda Petrovic High School in 2009…joins teammate Tomislav Colic, who is also from Serbia, on the VU squad…brings high soccer IQ to the team…technically sound…good size and strength in the backfield…should start immediately as a freshman for the Lions.

The person: Mario was born on February 1, 1990, to parents Omer and Rosa…birthplace was Belgrade, Serbia…has one younger brother…nickname is "Junior"…major is undeclared…prefers to eat at home, especially anything chocolate…favorite movie is "300" and TV show is "Friends"…likes the color red and the number five…favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 12:3…roots for Manchester United…likes to fish when he is not playing soccer…believes honor is the best character trait one can possess…most respects his parents…soccer has taught him to never give up…career goal is to be successful.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because of my friends, the soccer program, and it was a good career move.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Mario is a quiet but stead influence on and off the field.

The athlete: Mario joins the Blue and Gold from Century High School in Santa Ana, California…graduated in 2009 with a solid 3.0 GPA…played soccer for Head Coach Bruce Silverman in the Orange League…earned several accolades from Century High, including: Best Offensive Player, Most Improved Player, and All-League…has played 13 years of soccer…four of those years were spent playing for Conquist America, West Coast…is very skilled player who should fit in nicely on the VU team…could surprise this season…will certainly be a big part of the program in the future.

The person: Mario was born to parents Mario and Guadalupe on February 15, 1991, in Corona, California…will major in communications at VU…favorite place to eat is "In-N-Out"…likes the movie "Iron Man" and the TV show "Family Matters"…favorite number is four and color is black…likes the Bible verse John 3:16…roots for Holland...likes watching Messi play soccer…favorite actress is Selena Gomez.

His thoughts: I chose to attend Vanguard because of the Christian community.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Mario is a player who works hard. We look for him to be a big part of our midfield in the future.

The athlete: Tully comes to Vanguard for his freshman season after graduating from Whittier Christian School in Whittier, California…played for Coaches Joe Lurker and John Genburg…was named second-team All-League while at WCHS…also was the leading scorer for his team as a sophomore…has played the game for 12 years…played one year with Chelsea SC…brings great size to the frontline for VUSC…will be a solid option as a target forward in the future…hard worker who never complains…good addition to the soccer program at VU.

The person: Tully was born on October 10, 1990, to parents James and Ingrid…born in Orange, California…has one sister, who is an artist…plans on majoring in English at Vanguard…likes to eat at "Red Robin"…favorite color is blue and number is 7…loves Saturdays…favorite holiday is Christmas…likes to be involved in music, art, and travel…believes honesty is an essential character trait…most respects his dad for his work ethic…has learned in life to trust in God and His plans, because they are larger than our own…soccer has taught him to work hard…career goal is to become a teacher or a youth pastor.

His thoughts: I chose to come to Vanguard because of the small campus and because I like the spiritual aspect.

Coach Dodge’s comments: Tully is a solid Christian who we expect to be a good spiritual leader in the years to come.