Otters Bolster Roster With D-II Talent
Some of the best players in Otters history have come from the Division II level. The next era for the Otters will be no different, with half of the players on this year’s team coming from schools in Division II. Seven more Otters have inked commitments to come to Johnson City this summer and play.
The Otters have long tapped into the powerhouses of Division II, especially Palm Beach Atlantic, which has sent six different players to the Otters the last two seasons. The first Sailfish to join the Otters in 2020 will be centerback Nico Boucher. The 6'1" Venezuelan made five total appearances this past season and scored a goal. He also has NPSL experience with Greenville FC.
Another defender, Nicholas Oberrauch (Palm Beach Atlantic) will be coming to the Otters from Florida. Oberrauch just completed his freshman season, appearing in all 21 games and getting two starts. The Italian was able to contribute on offense with nine shots and three on target.
The other Sailfish to join the Otters this summer is Giancarlo Triulzi, a speedy forward from Italy. The junior played just over 350 minutes and scored three goals and an assist, generating 15 shots for the Sailfish this season during their run to the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
At centerback, Jan Gruhn (Shorter) will also be helping to fortify the Otters backline this season. Gruhn provides both strong defensive instincts as well as excellent passing to help the Otters transition into offense. The German defender started 16 games for the Hawks and had two goals and an assist while putting nine of his thirteen shots on goal.
One final defender in this group is right back Kendall Allen (University of Indianapolis) who just completed his sophomore season. Starting 20 games for the Greyhounds, Allen recorded three goals and two assists from the right back spot and finished fourth on the team in total shots. Allen played a pivotal role in helping U-Indy reach the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
Another player to help his team reach the NCAA Tournament is forward Sidney Warden (Francis Marion). With the Patriots, Warden appeared in all 22 games and had six goals and three assists. After winning the Peachbelt Conference title, Francis Marion won their first round game against Limestone before falling to Palm Beach Atlantic in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Last summer, the forward from England played with Discoveries SC (now the Charlotte Independence II) in USL League Two, logging over 1,000 minutes and leading the team in goals, points, and assists. Warden will play at Mercyhurst University in the fall.
The final signing of this group brings many accolades after an outstanding 2019 season. Alex Lee Yaw (Gannon) spearheaded one of the most dangerous attacks in all of Division II soccer. With the Knights, Lee Yaw scored 12 goals and added another nine assists on 78 shots. He was named the confernece’s Player of the Year and to the First Team. Gannon earned a #2 seed and reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual national champions Freddy Tracey and the Charleston Golden Eagles. The New York native was named the D2CCA Atlantic Region Player of the Year and was named a Third Team All-American by the D2CCA and a First Team All-American by United Soccer Coaches.
All signings are pending league and federation approval.
The 2020 season is right around the corner! You can find season tickets HERE and go to ottersoccer.com for information regarding camp, events, and other news. Be sure to follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you don’t miss any updates! #FearTheFur
