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University of Houston Athletics
Soccer Announces 2010 Signing Class
2/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Feb. 9, 2010
HOUSTON - The University of Houston soccer team inked six student-athletes for the 2010 season, it was announced by head coach Susan Bush.
The Cougars welcome Samantha Sackos, Fabiana Cirino, Amber Thornhill, Danielle Munoz, Jasmine Martinez and Nichole Duarte. The coaching staff is very pleased with the incoming class and expects great things from them.
"The 2010 recruiting class is the most complete and program-changing class that this coaching staff has signed," Bush said. "The six players that have signed bring another level of play and passion to our program. From defenders, to midfielders, to forwards, I feel that this class will allow Houston soccer to be a competitive force in our conference, state and even country.
"For 2010, my staff and I focused on bringing in smart soccer players to compliment a seasoned returning roster. I expect many of these freshmen to make an immediate and exciting impact for Cougar Soccer next fall. Duarte, Sackos and Martinez lead the group with a savvy and creative style of play in the attacking third. Thornhill, Munoz and Cirino are versatile players who have the tools to be consistent contributors at the collegiate level. This is arguably the best signing class this program has seen."
Assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Eric Quill echoes Bush's confidence in the signing class.
"The 2010 class is probably our most talented class from top to bottom," Quill said. "We have three unbelievable playmakers coming in that should spark a creative side to our offense that we have never had.
"We have a forward that is going to be a big time threat in our conference for the next four years. Also we have solidified our already stingy defense with two defenders that are more than capable of stepping in immediately. To round it out, we have a national team caliber goalkeeper coming in to compete for the starting goalkeeper position."
Below is a player-by-player breakdown of the 2010 signing class.
Samantha Sackos - Albuquerque, New Mexico - Albuquerque High School and Rio Vista Football Club - F
Sackos was a state team player for Albuquerque High School, received an All-State honorable mention and was named First Team All-District. She led her team in both goals and assists as forward for her high school. Her club team, Rio Vista FC, was State Cup champions of New Mexico in 2008.
"Samantha is a forward who is constantly trying to get behind the defense," Bush said. "She has a nose for the goal and has the ability to both assist and score herself. She is mobile, technical and has the mentality to make a difference in every game. Sami is a player who will take this program to the next level through her tireless work rate and passion for the game."
Fabiana Cirino - Houston, Texas - Austin High School and Albion Hurricanes Soccer Club - MF
Cirino is a midfielder for both Austin High School and the Albion Hurricanes.
"Fabiana is a center midfielder who is soccer savvy and smooth on the ball," Bush said. "She has a mind for the game and is a creative soccer player. She will add a crafty dimension to our midfield and will be a playmaking personality in the final third. She is technically sound and is the player that will make everyone around her better."
Danielle Munoz - The Woodlands, Texas - College Park High School and Challenge Club - D
Munoz is a defender for both College Park High School and Challenge Club. As a standout high school basketball player, she brings the versatility of multi-sport athlete.
"Danielle is a speedy defender who can track down any offensive player," Bush said. "She anticipates extremely well and is a fantastic tackler. She competes at a high level and is consistent and dependable. Look for Danielle to compete for time in the defensive line next fall."
Jasmine Martinez - Whitter, Calif. - California High School and Arsenal Football Club - MF
Martinez is a midfielder for the Arsenal FC, which is nationally ranked in the top 30.
"Jasmine is going to make an immediate impact in the collegiate game," Bush said. "She has the ability to control games by herself through her poise and competitive spirit. She will see time in the middle of the field where she will compete in the air and play make in the attacking third. She is a rare player that is strong on both sides of the ball; defensively and offensively.
Nichole Duarte - Houston, Texas - Challenge Club - MF/F
Duarte is a member of the US National team during pool play, both a regional and state team player. She is considered one of top players coming out of Houston area.
"Nicole is an extraordinary player that has the ability to create and score goals," Bush said. "She loves the ball at her foot and has the capacity to dribble at players and take them on one versus one. She strikes a solid ball and will keep the opposing defensive line on their heels. She has experience playing with youth national teams and will translate that high level of play to the collegiate game."
