As it usually goes, let's start with the bad news. Italy lost very badly against Holland in their first game of the EURO 2008 Championship yesterday. We hadn't had a three goal deficit in a long, long time, and a loss the the Dutch in thirty years! Nevertheless, Holland played a good game and Italy didn't. They scored in the 4-5 chances they had, and we did not. That's always pretty bad in soccer.

I hope that the Azzurri will bounce back Friday when they play Romania, otherwise.... it's an early return home for the Champions of the World, and a sad summer for me.

And now the good news. The 2012 class is the strongest we have had so far in terms of quantity and quality. Fifteen units strong, this recruited freshman class has what it takes to turn the corner and help the Little Soccer Giants to make some noises this fall.

Lets meet them one by one:

Dylan Andrew - Forward from Columbus North High School in Columbus, IN and Carmel United USSF U18 Academy Team. An eclectic, fast footed striker who is not afraid of taking defenders on. His flair and creativity up front is a nice addition to our attacking squad.

Bob Cassady - Defender from Marian High School in South Bend, IN and FC Invaders. Bob is a smart defender who reads the game well. He is definitely a player who can grow with the program and become an impact presence in the back.

Michael Hegeman - Defender from Zionsville High School in Zionsville, IN and Zionsville Soccer Club. A solid defender who combines size, good technique, and decision making very effectively. A strong presence in the back.

Austin Jennings - Forward from Noblesville High School in Noblesville, IN and Carmel United USSF U18 Academy Team. Very quick and fast for his 6' 1" frame, Austin has the ability to be a leading scorer for us next fall. He has the potential to make an impact on the team from the very start.

Ian Kelly - Midfielder/Defender from Harrison High School in Lafayette, IN and FC Indiana. A most eclectic, quality player who possesses good technical abilities and tactical sense. Ian can play in different positions for us this fall. His soccer brain will be a tremendous asset for our team.

Owen McCarthy - Midfiielder from Newburgh High School in Newburgh, IN. A former West Point cadet who comes in with much desire to impact the program with his leadership and skills. A former Indiana ODP player, Owen has quick pace, aggressive defending, and great tactical sense.

Olufemi Oluyedun - Forward from the International School of Indiana in Indy and Dynamo FC. Femi will bring much needed depth in our attack squad. His quickness and speed, paired with the ability to take defenders on will give us more weapons up front.

Andrew Pearcy - Midfielder from Ben Davis High School in Indy and Carmel United USSF U18 Academy Team. Andrew's physical strength, passion, and desire will be a strong addition to our midfield. He is an intense player with an intimidating presence and a fearless approach to defending. He can definitely give us the punch we need.

Josh Pedersen - Defender from Wheaton North High School in Illinois and Fire Juniors Academy Team. Josh's pace, tactical awareness, and endurance will give us an important push from the back. He is a disciplined and focused players who is not afraid of working hard to achieve success.

Philip Rosborough - Goal keeper from Loveland High School in Loveland, OH. Phil will join his brother David as a member of the Little Giants Soccer program. Phil brings in solid goal keeping skills within a strong athletic frame that allows him to cover the goal well and become an imposing presence between the posts.

Macydon Sprowl - Forward/Midfielder from George Washington High School in Indy. Mike's Brazilian background provides him with a soft touch and much soccer sense. If he is able to adapt to the physicality of the American collegiate game, he can become a difference maker on the pitch.

Allan Swan - Midfielder from Carmel High School in Carmel, IN and Carmel United USSF U18 Academy Team. Allan comes from Scotland where he learned to play the game at a very early age. He reads the game extremely well, and possesses good technical abilities that allow him to play effectively in the midfield. Definitely a difference maker for us in the middle.

Patrick West - Goal keeper from Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, IN and Westside United FC. Patrick's explosive goal keeping will give us a necessary solidity in goal. His shot stopping skills are very good as well as his distribution. His leadership abilities in the back is a sure asset for us. He is coming in to compete for a starting position.

Jake Woloshin - Midfielder from Noblesville High School in Noblesville, IN and Noblesville Soccer Club. Jake will add some quality and speed to our outside game. His skills and ball distribution are his major assets. Josh will definitely help us in the fall.

Welcome on board Lads! Together with some other players who have expressed interest in joining us in the fall, plus another recruit from Canada, whom I can't name at this time, and the returning players, we all are looking forward to a great season! I can't wait!

Wabash Always Fights!