The Retort

Men’s Soccer Inks Four International Recruits for 2010

April 19th, 2010 by MSUB Athletics For The Retort

Montana State Billings head men’s soccer coach, Dan McNally, announced the signing of four international student-athletes for the 2010 season Thursday, April 8. Peter Davies, Nicholas Knowlman, Jak Purkiss and Joshua Marocchi all inked with the Yellowjackets and join Billings natives, Tyler Currence, and Justin Enger in the 2010 class.

“This recruiting class has the potential to be the best we have put together,” McNally said. “We lost some great seniors after the 2009 season and it was important we replaced them with quality recruits. I think we have done that. We have set high standards over the last three seasons but we can’t get complacent. We are determined to make 2010 our fourth winning season in a row.”

Both Davies and Purkiss hail from England, while Knowlman and Marocchi come to MSUB from Australia. Knowlman is a native of Brisbane, Australia, and Marocchi hails from Perth, Western Australia. Davies is a native of Chelmsford, England, while Purkiss comes from Retford, England.

Davies, a 6-0 midfielder, played his last two seasons at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, Calif., where he helped lead his team to the playoffs in both 2008 and 2009. He was a scholar-athlete at Foothill and was on the all-conference team in 2009.

“Pete has played at a high level in England and he was an outstanding player on a very good Junior College team in California,” McNally said. “He has excellent technique and I think he will score goals from midfield.”

Purkiss, a 6-0 defender, captained his High School team and represented his county (Lincolnshire) at the U18 level.

“Jak is a leader,” McNally added. “He has captained just about every team he has played for. Jak is quick and he reads the game very well. I think he will be a very good defender for us.”

Knowlman, a 5-10 forward, has excelled in youth leagues in Brisbane, Australia. He played six years of Division I club soccer, including two years in the Brisbane Premier Youth competition.

“Nick is a great athlete with lots of potential,” McNally said. “He can play either as a forward or wide midfield player; I think he will develop into a great player for us.”

Marocchi, a 5-11 defender, brings a wealth of experience to the Yellowjackets. He played for the Perth Soccer Club as a youth player in the state league competition. In addition, he played for the Floreat Athena Soccer Club Under-18’s.

“Josh is an experienced and versatile defender. Josh is a natural leader and he plays with great intensity,” McNally said. “He is a quality player than will contribute right away.”