Spring Arbor University Men's Soccer Coach, Eric Rudland, is excited to announce the first three commitments for his 2012 class. After a disappointing campaign in 2010, the Cougars rose to great heights in 2011 and these newly signed players will enhance the overall level at SAU and help the team achieve even more in 2012.

The commitments include: Steven Murphy, a center back from Canton High School and the Bloomfield Force FC 94 Black, Nicholas Diresta a center back from Woodhaven High School and the Michigan Rush Nortvhille Nike 95 and Christopher Palushaj, a proven goal scorer/target man from Northville High School and the Michigan Wolves 94.

This past fall Murphy won the MHSAA Div 1 State Championship with Canton High School. Murphy was an integral component of Canton's defense as they recorded 10 shutouts in their State-Championship run. This spring Murphy is set to compete with the Bloomfield Force FC 94 Black who are hoping to make a run at the MSYSA State-Cup. Rudland's thoughts on Murphy: "Steven will add immediate value to our program. He has a fantastic playing background, is technically sound and he will be a great fit for our university. We are looking forward to Steven competing for a spot in our back line or as a defensive minded mid-fielder."

Diresta will come to Spring Arbor after competing for Woodhaven High School and the Michigan Rush. Rudland already has a dynamic relationship with Diresta, previously serving as Nic's U13 and U14 club coach. Furthermore, last spring Nic was selected as a member of the Rush Select U16 boys, coached by Rudland. The Rush Select U16 boys competed at the 2011 Presidents Day Cup in Phoenix, AZ. Rudland's thoughts on Diresta: "Nic is a proven competitor. He is a blue collar worker with a fantastic ability to win the ball. After working with Nic for a few years I'm confident that he will step in and do well for us in 2012 and beyond."

Palushaj was a standout this past fall for Northville High School scoring 15 goals and setting up 8. Last spring Palushaj's Wolves team were State-Cup runners up and finished 2nd in their MRL division. Palushaj recently competed at the Disney Soccer Showcase and isset to make an impact this spring with the Michigan Wolves 94. Rudland's thoughts on Palushaj: "We believe that Chris can help us as a target forward.His size and strength will add another dangerous component to our team attack. Chris is a proven goal scorer and we expect him to create and convert goals here at SAU."

The SAU Men's Soccer team is coming off an impressive 11-8-3 season. The team won their first two MCC Tournament matches finishing runners up, finished 3rd in the MCC regular season and qualified for the NCCAA Regional Tournament for the first time since 2008.