Men’s Soccer Signs Four More for 2009

BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State Billings head men’s soccer coach, Dan McNally, announced the signing of four players Tuesday for the 2009 season.  Blair Stevenson, Clifton Thomas, Ian Cochrane and William Whitworth all have inked with the Yellowjackets.

Stevenson hails from Edinburgh, Scotland, also the home country of current Yellowjacket, Tom Milroy.  Stevenson plays at James Gillespie High School in Edinburgh.  He helped lead his high school team to the league championship from 2006-2009 and were runner-up in the East Region Shield in 2007 and 2008.  Stevenson was Player of the Year in 2007 and Players Player of the Year as well.

“Blair is a great signing for us,” McNally said.  “He has the ability to be a great player for MSUB over the next four years.  Blair has all the attributes that I like in a central midfield player, athleticism, passion, determination and the ability to keep possession and create scoring opportunities for our forwards.”

Boise, Idaho, native, Thomas, attends Timberline High School where he was an honorable mention selection in 2007 and a first team all-conference selection in 2008.  He also was the team Most Valuable Player in 2008.  Thomas helped lead his team to a sixth place finish at state in 2007 and a fifth place finish in 2008.

Thomas also played for the Boise Nationals U-17-18 team, as well as the Idaho Rush (U-16) and was a state Olympic Development Player (ODP) 2003-2005.

“Clifton is exactly the type of player that we needed to bring in this year,” said McNally.  “His technical skill and intelligent movement will be a huge asset for us.”

Cochrane, a native of Billings and Senior High School, helped lead the team to the state tournament his freshman and sophomore year.  In addition, Cochrane led the team in scoring and assists in 2008.  He played for the Magic City Soccer Club that won five straight state championships and he led the team in scoring and assists each year.

“Ian has all the potential and talent to be a great player at MSUB,” McNally said.  “It will be my job to make sure he gets the most out of his ability.  I’m sure with the correct dedication he will be a special player for us.  I’m excited to see Ian develop into a great player.”

Whitworth attends Billings Central Catholic where he was all-conference as a sophomore and a two-time all-state selection as a junior and senior at center defender.  He had four assists his senior year and was a team captain as well.

Whitworth helped lead his team to three conference championships and two state runner-up finishes, including his senior year.  He also played for Magic City for five years and one year on the state ODP team.

“Will has the potential to be an excellent defender for us,” McNally said.  “He naturally plays with the passion and determination I demand from my team.  I think he has the ability to have a great career at MSUB.”

Whitworth joins Cochrane as two signees from Billings, joining current players Chris Andre, Marco Rosales and Daneson Gray who all are from Billings.  In addition, McNally will have 12 Montana players on the roster next season, including Cochrane and Whitworth.

“Signing Will and Ian shows the effort we are making not only to recruit in Montana but also directly in Billings,” McNally added.  “I feel it is very important that the identity of our team is Montana based.”

The Yellowjackets also signed Division I transfer, Ryan Covey, from Central Connecticut State in January and will return eight starters from last season’s 10-8 team.  It was the second consecutive winning season in the program’s history in McNally’s fourth year.