Four Wolves Sign With Senior Colleges
WESSON – The Co-Lin Men's Soccer team recently had four members sign letters of intent with senior colleges to continue their playing careers. Goalkeeper Ben Parkinson will be going to the University of Northwestern Ohio, defender Bryce Dronet will be attending Carolina University while midfielders Joel Ibanez and Matt Preston have signed with Auburn University at Montgomery and Blue Mountain College respectively.
Parkinson, Ibanez, and Preston all participated in the MACCC Soccer All-Star game this past fall.
Ben Parkinson, a native of Bury, England, started in 14 games for the Wolves this past season and had 81 saves and allowed 23 goals with a save percentage of .779 across 1,234 minutes played in the 2021 season. Parkinson also had two shutouts during the 2021 season. Parkinson also played in the spring season of 2021 for the Wolves (which was the official season after fall was delayed to due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic). In that season, Parkinson had 133 saves and allowed 16 goals with a save percentage of .893 and had one shutout in 10 games started.
"Ben has been a key figure for us defensively the last 2 years putting in some excellent performances," said Co-Lin head coach Tom Cosgrave. "He is a great shot stopper and will do very well at the next level and I'm looking forward to seeing him develop over the next few years at the University of Northwestern Ohio."
Bryce Dronet, a native of Gulfport, played in 13 games for the Wolves starting in two. The defender was a key player in multiple positions for the Wolves back line throughout his two years.
"Bryce is a solid defender with an excellent work ethic," stated Cosgrave. "He has been a key member of the squad the last two seasons with us and we are wishing him the best of luck at Carolina University."
Matthew Preston, a native of Manchester, England, played in all 15 games, starting in 10, for the Wolves in the 2021 season. The midfielder had two goals and one assist for a total of five points while taking 14 total shots with six on goal. In the 2021 spring season, Preston played in 11 games, staring in 10, and had three goals with three assists for nine total points with 12 total shots and five on goal.
"Matty is a very talented player with the ball at his feet. His ability to beat players in 1v1 areas and create chances for others is a massive boost to a team," added Cosgrave. "He has been instrumental for us going forward the last two seasons and I'm very excited to see how well he will do at Blue Mountain."
Joel Ibanez, a native of Man of Isle, England, started and played all 15 games for the Wolves in the 2021 season. The midfielder/defender had three goals and one assist for a total of seven points and was a key piece to the Wolves control of the midfield area throughout the season. Ibanez also had 12 shots with nine shots on goal during the season. In the 2021 spring season, Ibanez started and played in all 11 games accounting for three goals and two assists for a total of eight points.
"Joel is a big physical player who has been excellent for us both on and off the field for the last two years," stated Cosgrave. "He has consistently produced solid performances for us as well as leading the team as captain. He is going into a very strong AUM program where I think he will thrive in the competitive environment. Joel has a very bright future ahead of him."
These four member of the Wolves Men's Soccer team are the first four under head coach Tom Cosgrave and assistant coach Patrick Ross to sign with senior colleges.