Otters Bring in Four Division I Signings

The signings continue with four more additions to the 2022 roster! This group brings players from some of the best programs in college soccer to the Tri-Cities. Made up of a goalkeeper, two defenders, and a defensive midfielder the coaching staff will look to build on last year’s record-setting defense. The second-ever Otter Soccer Golf Tournament is this Saturday and there is still time to sign up your foursome! The cost is $100 per golfer and covers all fees, breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Sign up HERE!

Shane Lanson, GK, SMU

Originally set to join the Otters in 2020 before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19, Shane Lanson comes from one of the most successful programs in the last few years. As a sophomore in 2019, Lanson made six starts in goal for the Mustangs, winning all six and only allowing two goals. He recorded a save percentage of 0.889 and had a 0.32 goals against average. That season SMU finished with an 18–2–1 record, falling in the Elite Eight to national runners-up Virginia in overtime. Lanson started the first four games of the 2020–21 season before missing the rest of the season due to injury. In those four games, he again only allowed two goals, going 3–1–0 and having a 0.54 goals against average.

Mike Peck, CB, Missouri State

After completing his true freshman season, Mike Peck comes to Johnson City from a program who has gone 47–5–1 over the last three seasons. In his first season with the Bears, he made 18 appearances and six starts on a veteran-heavy back line. The English centerback, was named to the MVC All-Freshman Team and helped the Bears secure their second straight MVC Championship and third straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Julian Fernandez, RB, USC Upstate

From Mexico City, Julian Fernandez brings versatility on both sides of the ball to the Otters. Fernandez has played the first two seasons of his collegiate career at USC Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With the Spartans this fall, Fernandez made ten starts in fifteen appearances, logging just over 1,000 minutes on the backline. In the regular season finale, he was able to record his only assist of the season in a 5–0 blowout of UNC Asheville.

Nicolas Cortes, MF, Drake

After two seasons at D-II powerhouse Fort Hays State, Nicolas Cortes has transferred up to Drake University in the Missouri Valley Conference. In the COVID-shortened spring season, Cortes played every possible minute and was named to the All-GAC Second Team. This past fall, the Chilean midfielder started 22 of 23 games, tallying three assists. The Tigers finished with a 15–6–2 record, winning the GAC Championship before ultimately falling 2–0 to #7 Indianapolis in the NCAA Tournament. Cortes was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team and earned the Academic Excellence Award from Fort Hays State.

*All signings pending league and federation approval*

If you have missed any previous signings, you can see them all here! For more announcements both on and off the field head over to ottersoccer.com and follow @ottersoccer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! #FearTheFur #Path2Pro