Men's soccer announces Class of 2018

The Bryant University men's soccer program and head coach Seamus Purcell are pleased to announce the signing of six student-athletes who will join the Bulldogs in the fall of 2014.

The Black and Gold will welcome forwards Thomas Binder (Vienna, Austria) and Matt Brouillette (Shelton, Conn.), midfielder Jason Norat (Wilmington, Del.), defenders John Conry (Bolton, Mass.) and Jozef Jennings (Barrington, R.I.) and goalkeeper Nick Stewart (South Windsor, Conn.).

Just four short months ago, the Bulldogs put together their best season since joining the Division I ranks, finishing with a DI program record seven wins en route to an appearance in the Northeast Conference Tournament finals.

With almost their entire team returning to Smithfield in the fall, the Black and Gold have high hopes for the incoming Class of 2018.

Click here to view action shots of all six signees.

Thomas Binder | 5-9 | F | Vienna, Austria (Lima, Peru) | American International School Vienna

A four-year starting forward at the American International School in Vienna, Austria … Helped his team to a pair of second-place finishes in the ISST's … Earned the ISST All-Tournament Award in 2011 and 2012.

"Thomas is a natural center forward, with great pace, strength and an eye for the goal", voiced Purcell. "He understands the game very well and plays with a tremendous amount of passion."

Matt Brouillette | 6-0 | F/M | Shelton, Conn. | Shelton

A three-year letter winner at Shelton High School … Helped his team to a Housatonic Division Title during his sophomore year … Served as team captain during his senior season … Named to the Southern Connecticut All-Confernece Housatonic Division Team as a junior and senior (2012-13) … Was selected as team Most Outstand Offesnive Player three-straight years (2011-13) … Also lettered in basketball … Member of National Honor Society, Italian Club and serves on the Student Council Executive Board.

"Matt is a left footed strong center forward with great pace and ability to take players 1v1", noted Purcell. "He also has the skill to play in midfield as a left winger and help us attack from the flanks."

John Conry | 5-9 | D | Bolton, Mass. | St. Bernard's Catholic

A two-year starting defender at St. Bernard's Catholic High School after spending two years at Nashoba Regional High School from 2010-11 … Led his team to a 12-6 overall record and the second round of the MIAA Central Massachusetts Playoffs … Selected as a two-time Central Massachusetts Conference All-Star as a junior and senior … Named Team MVP as a junior and senior … Also lettered in basketball … Three-year honor roll student.

"John is a right footed tenacious defender, with excellent field vision and technical ability", said Purcell. "He is also a fearless competitor and will be used as our shut down defender."

Jozef Jennings | 5-11 | D | Barrington, R.I. | Barrington

A three-year starting defender and midfielder at Barrington High School … Helped lead his team to a 14-0-5 record and a Division I Rhode Island State Championship as a junior … Earned First Team All-State honors as a senior and a Second Team All-State nod as a junior … An honor roll student and a member of the Barrington Athletic Booster Club.

"Jozef is a right footed defender and holding midfielder who  reads the game extremely well", added Purcell. "He is fearless and tough as nails and will help us breakdown the opposing teams in midfield."

Jason Norat | 5-11 | M | Wilmington, Del. | Salesianum

A two-year starting midfielder and defender for Salesianum in Wilmington, Del. … Helped lead his team to three-straight Delaware State Championships (2011-13) … Named First Team All-State and selected for the Blue and Gold All-Star game as a senior … Member of National Honor Society and is an Eagle Scout … Younger brother of current Bryant men's soccer standout Connor Norat.

"Jason is a talented center mid, with excellent field vision and technically ability, said Purcell. "He is a student of the game and has a great soccer IQ.  He is also extremely powerful in the air, which will help us control the aerial battle in midfield."

Nick Stewart | 6-4 | GK | South Windsor, Conn. | South Windsor

A five-year starting goalkeeper for the Oakwood Soccer Team of the US Developmental Academy … Helped lead his team to a 2009 Connecticut State Cup Title and back-to-back Region I Championships in 2009-10 … Honor roll student and Future Business Leaders of America Vice President.

"Nick is a strong player, who controls the penalty area with his height and excellent communication skills", added Purcell. "He has played at the highest level throughout his young career and will be a great addition to our squad."