NEWBERRY — Newberry men’s soccer has announced the signing of four additional players to the team for the 2018 season.

Head Coach Bryce Cooper adds to his recruiting class in his second offseason at Newberry, signing a total of 11 players.

Phillip Intriago – MF – Charlotte, N.C.

A midfield from Charlotte, N.C., Intriago played for SCSA before he moved to Florida and started his journey with the Lee County Strikers. He held the position as captain for the team and was the leading scorer. After not making the team his freshman year at Ardrey Kell High School, he returned and had a spot on varsity. Intriago was the top scorer the entire season escalating the team to the second round of playoffs. Intriago recorded the most goals during the camp.

Cooper is excited to see Intriago join the pack.

“Phillip is a technical player who is comfortable on the ball and can play anywhere in the midfield. He has a great engine and his drive will elevate the overall level of competition and intensity each and every day. I look forward to seeing his development on and off the field over the next four years,” he said

Ulrik Kaupang – Defender, Horten, Norway

Kaupang comes will come to Newberry after a long time admiration for the program. He spent many years playing for FK Ørn Horten, where he started his soccer career. Kaupang made his debut in the Norwegian 2 Division at the age of 16. During the 2017 season he was named Ørn Hortens U-19 Player of the Year. He also held the captain position on the U-19 team, where they would go on to be regional champions.

Cooper was impressed with Kaupang during the recruitment process.

“Ulrik comes from a good background over in Norway and has played the game at a high level. From the beginning of the recruiting process with him he saw our vision for the program and the family environment we have created,” Cooper said. “He will give us great versatility in the backline along with his ability to play in the midfield if needed. He has a good soccer IQ and sees the game at a high level which will transfer well in the SAC. I’m looking forward to his arrival in August.”

Jack Hyatt – Goalkeeper, Nolensville, Tenn.

A goalie fro Nolensville, Tenn., Hyatt began his soccer journey with Furman Youth Soccer Club in Greenville, S.C. He then moved to Tennessee and played for many club teams around the area including: Brentwood United, Sporting Nashville, Aris FC, and TSC ECNL. Hyatt was named to the Sporting KC affiliate All-star team. He held a starting position on the Ravenwood High School varsity soccer team for three years. During his sophomore year, the team came in second at the state championship.

Cooper sees the potential Hyatt brings to the program.

“Jack has a great frame and with his wingspan and reach he provides a new dynamic to our Goal Keeping core. He is a good shot stopper and has a good box presence,” Cooper said. “Jack has a tremendous upside and will develop into a very good College Goalkeeper during his time here at Newberry. Our staff is excited to work with him and help raise the level of our Goalkeeping group.”

Jason Calderon – Midfielder, Ladson

A midfielder from Ladson, Calderon played all four years of varsity soccer as a starter for Stratford High School. During his sophomore campaign, he ended his season leading the team in assists. Calderon was named to the All-County team.

He played club soccer at the United Soccer Academy Mount Pleasant (USAMP) for the 98 Premier team for four years and won numerous tournaments in Atlanta, North Carolina, and South Carolina. During the 2013 season, his team won the state cup and went to regionals in Alabama. They made it to the finals of the 2015 state cup.

Cooper believes Calderon will have a huge presence on the field.

“Jason is a high character kid who embodies all the qualities we look for in our players. He works extremely hard both on and off the field, he is a great teammate and he is a smart and technically sound player who can play in multiple positions. He was a great late addition for our program and we are excited to get him here in the fall,” Cooper said.

Kaupang made his debut in the Norwegian 2 Division at the age of 16.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Ulrik-Kaupang.jpgKaupang made his debut in the Norwegian 2 Division at the age of 16. Courtesy photo

Hyatt began his soccer journey with Furman Youth Soccer Club in Greenville.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Jack-Hyatt.jpgHyatt began his soccer journey with Furman Youth Soccer Club in Greenville. Courtesy photo

A midfielder from Ladson, Calderon played all four years of varsity soccer as a starter for Stratford High School.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Jason-Calderon.jpgA midfielder from Ladson, Calderon played all four years of varsity soccer as a starter for Stratford High School. Courtesy photo

Joining the Wolves is Phillip Intriago, a midfield from Charlotte, N.C.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Phillip-Intriago.jpgJoining the Wolves is Phillip Intriago, a midfield from Charlotte, N.C. Courtesy photo

Staff Report