Otters Bring Back Six 2020 D-II Commits

The Otters 2020 USL League Two season was unfortunately cancelled before it even got started, meaning the 2020 roster never got to suit up in the blue and green and represent Johnson City. However, over half of that group will return in 2021 to finally get their chance. The first group features players from across the Division II landscape from schools in multiple states including: Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Purchase your tickets today and see them in action in one week, on May 9th against Appalachian FC in TVA Credit Union Ballpark!

Kendall Allen, D, University of Indianapolis

Playing with his hometown team, Kendall Allen comes to the Otters as a physical and versatile defender on the outside that can contribute on both ends of the field. Allen’s sophomore breakout season in 2019 saw him play in 20 matches, starting 15, and anchor a defensive run to the NCAA Division II Final Four. Offensively, Allen tallied three goals and two assists. In the shortened spring season, Allen started ten of fourteen games and scored two goals and three assists from the fullback position. In the GLVC Championship, Allen assisted on the game-tying goal to send the game to extra time.

Nicolas Boucher, CB, Palm Beach Atlantic

Nicolas Boucher continues a long line of Sailfish that have plied their trade in Johnson City in the summer. The Venezuelan has been able to contribute to one of the best soccer programs in the country, and scoring a goal in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Boucher also has previous summer experience with Greenville FC in the NPSL.

Jan Gruhn, CB, Shorter

Jan Gruhn originally earned his spot on the Otters roster via open tryouts in 2020 and was set to join before the season was cancelled. Since coming to the Hawks in 2019, Gruhn has started all but one match and playing 2,006 out of a possible 2,087 minutes. The German defender has also scored three goals in his career. This spring, Gruhn played every minute, adding another goal, before the Hawks fell in penalty kicks in the first round of the GSC Tournament.

Sonnie Mathis, MF, Lincoln Memorial

Another 2020 commit to return, Sonnie Mathis comes from nearby Lincoln Memorial University. In 2019, Mathis made 15 appearances as a true freshman, starting five, and tallied two goals on six shots. The Texas midfielder, returned in the spring to make three appearances and two starts for the Railsplitters in the shortened season.

Hunter Stroble, MF, Lincoln Memorial

Like Mathis, Hunter Stroble will be looked to bolster the midfield depth for the Otters. In his freshman season, the IMG Academy-product finished top-three on the team in starts, goals, assists, points, shots, and shots on goal. He was named an SAC Honorable Mention for his efforts. This spring, Stroble appeared in seven games with five starts, recording six shots, second most on the team.

Alex Lee Yaw, F, Gannon

The return of Alex Lee Yaw is expected to provide a major boost to the Otters attack this summer. Lee Yaw’s spectacular 2019 season saw him tally twelve goals and nine assists and lead Gannon to a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. For his efforts, the New York-native was named the conference player of the year and the D2CCA Atlantic Region Player of the Year. Additionally, he was named a First Team All-American by the United Soccer Coaches.

All signings are pending league and federation approval.

The Otters will be hosting their annual youth camp this summer June 21–24, registration is now open and can be done here on the Otters website under Events! Follow Ottersoccer on social media or check ottersoccer.com to stay up to date on all things Otters as we head towards the start of the 2021 season! #FearTheFur #NewYearNewOtters