ELON, N.C. – Elon University head men’s soccer coach Darren Powell today announced that four players have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Phoenix beginning with the 2008 campaign.  Joining the program will be: James Carroll (Charlotte, N.C./Myers Park HS/Charlotte United FC ‘89 Gold), Archie Karpeh (Circle Pines, Minn./Pendleton School/IMG), Austen King (Wilson, N.C./Ralph L. Fike HS/‘89 CASL Elite) and Denzel Ogunyase (Albany, N.Y./The Albany Academies/Blackwatch Dundee). Jahan Threeths (Roswell, Ga./Roswell HS/Concorde Fire) will also join the program and has already enrolled at Elon and will participate with the Phoenix in the spring.

“We are pleased to announce the four additions to our squad for 2008,” stated Powell.  “These four players bring specific attributes to our team both with their abilities and attitude.  We expect all four to play a major role in our program over the next four years.  With this group of student-athletes we feel we will compete for a Southern Conference championship and will look to keep improving on our out-of-conference results.  These student-athletes will also engage well in the academic community here at Elon.  We look forward to having these players to join us at pre-season camp in August.”

Carroll, a 5-9, 165-pound midfielder/defender, helped Michael Magno’s Charlotte United FC ‘89 Gold club team capture the 2004 State Cup.  He has been a member of the North Carolina ‘90 ODP squad for three seasons (2005-07) and was among the region pool in 2007.  President of his National Honor Society chapter, Carroll captained his club squad for seven seasons.

James is the son of John and Sarah Carroll.

Carroll on why he chose Elon: “For me, Elon had the right blend of academics and soccer.  Each year the school improves and the campus has a great community atmosphere.”

Powell on Carroll: “James is one of the top performing midfielders in the state of North Carolina.  He is a brave and determined center midfielder who can win and distribute the ball well for his team.  We see him adding strength to our midfield here at Elon”

Karpeh, a 5-9, 150-pound forward, has been a member of the United States U-17 National Team and a two-time adidas All-American (2007, 2008).  He was also awarded the 2007 adidas MVP award.  A four-year captain for Tom Durkin’s IMG squad, Karpeh claimed team MVP accolades from 2004-2007.  The program also advanced the Florida Cup Final Four.

Archie is the son of Albert Karpeh and Tracy Planle.

Karpeh on why he chose Elon: “I chose Elon because I like the kind of things that the coaches teach their players.  I also like Elon because of its good academic reputation.”

Powell on Karpeh: “Archie is a forward who has had some U.S. National team experience.  He is a very dynamic, attacking player who will come in and compete well with this team.  Archie has an infectious character that will bring the best out of others around him.”

King, a 6-2, 181-pound defender, was a member of the 2007 NCSCA Men’s All-State Team and earned a spot on the 2008 NCSCA “Clash of the Carolinas” All-Star team.  He was honored as the 2007 New Six Conference Player of the Year and helped lead Ralph L. Fike to a conference crowns in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and a state finals appearance in 2007.  King helped his club program, coached by Jay Howll and Bruce Murray, reach the USYSA Southern Regional finals in 2007.  That team also captured the 2007 NCYSA state title.  He has captained both his prep and club teams.

Austen is the son of Lewis and Charlene King.

King on why he chose Elon: “I chose Elon because of its excellent academics, its friendly campus atmosphere and the opportunity to play competitive Division I college soccer under the guidance of this coaching staff.  In addition, the university is located less than two hours from my home.  Elon satisfied all of my needs.”

Powell on King: “Austen is a sound local talent who possesses strong leadership skills.  He is continuing to develop into a good player and has improved over the years into a strong defender who is very good in the air.  We look forward to him to making an impact with our team.”

Threeths, a 5-11, 150-pound defender, was a member of the Georgia ODP team from 2003-2006 and also earned a spot on the Super Y Regional squad.  He earned Roswell’s Rookie of the Year award in 2005 and was named team MVP in 2007.  Threeths helped lead Gregg Blasingame’s highly successful Concorde Fire program to the 2006 USYSA national finals.  That same season, the team captured the USYSA Region III title as well as the Disney Showcase crown.  Threeths was a member of three teams that claimed Georgia state titles – 2004, 2006 and 2007 – and another which reached the finals – 2005.  In 2007, the Fire was a USYSA Region III semi-finalist and won the Red Bull National League Eastern Division.

Jahan is the son of Joseph Hemati and Afsaneh Threeths.

Threeths on why he chose Elon: “I chose Elon because the soccer team has a desire to compete and win. The team plays with passion and is only going to get better.  Also the atmosphere at Elon was what I was looking for.”

Powell on Threeths: “Jahan is a defender who loves to attack from the back.  He is very athletic and will add speed to our team in several different positions.  It will be good to have Jahan with us this spring which we believe it will accelerate his transition to college soccer.”