Otters Sign Seven from Sunshine State Conference
The Otters third group of signings all come from one of the best conferences in Division II. The Sunshine State Conference in Florida features some of the biggest programs at that level and has sent some of the top players in Otters history to Johnson City. The group features two defenders, one midfielder, and four attacking players from three schools: St. Leo, Florida Southern, and Lynn. We are exactly one month away from the second Otter Soccer Golf Tournament and there are still a few spots remaining, you can sign your team of four up HERE or at ottersoccer.com under EVENTS!
Harrison Taylor, CB, Saint Leo
The first signing of the group is Australian Harrison Taylor. The 6'7" defender joins the Otters after completing his freshman season with the Lions. Starting and playing in 16 matches, he finished tied for the team lead with minutes, playing 1,462 minutes and scoring one goal. Taylor also brings USL 2 experience, having played with Real Central New Jersey last summer.
Leo Diefenbach, D, Florida Southern
The other defender in the group comes from the same school that sent the Otters Mars Gohier last summer. Leo Diefenbach started all 17 matches for the Mocs, finishing third on the team in minutes (1,303). The German defender also recorded five assists, the most on the team, and ten shots.
Raul Varela, MF, Lynn
The sole midfielder of the group comes from one of the most dominant programs in Division II the last few years. In his first year with the Fighting Knights, Varela made eight appearances and five starts. Lynn finished with a 12–4 record overall, and one game out of first place in the SSC, before ultimately falling to Barry in double overtime in the conference tournament.
Noah Kvifte, MF/F, Saint Leo
Noah Kvifte is the other Lion to join the Otters this summer from Saint Leo University. Another freshman, Kvifte appeared in 16 matches, starting six, and logging just over 600 minutes. The dual Norwegian-American international scored three goals, good enough for second the team, while putting over 60% of his shots on goal.
Juli Jordan-Canosa, W, Florida Southern
The next attacking player to make their way to Johnson City will be Juli Jordan-Canosa of Florida Southern. The Spanish winger just completed his senior season with the Mocs. Despite playing less than 500 minutes, Jordan-Canosa still finished top three on the team in points, scoring three goals, adding an assist, and putting 73% of his shots on target. As a sophomore in 2018, he was named to the SSC Honor Roll and scored three goals and two assists.
Moritz Lusch, W, Lynn
Another winger, Lusch comes to the Otters after just completing his career at Morningside University. The grad transfer, who will suit up for Lynn in the fall, played two years with the Mustangs. Over 36 games, Lusch scored 20 goals and added 13 assists. In the COVID spring season, they were able to make the NAIA National Tournament, ultimately falling in penalty kicks in the opening round.
Patrick O’Halloran, F, Lynn
The final signing of this group is another player transferring to the Fighting Knights. O’Halloran played his first two seasons in Ohio at Walsh University. In the COVID-shortened spring season, the English striker started all twelve games, leading the team in goals (7), assists (5), and shots (44). He followed up that performance in the fall, starting 18 matches, recording ten goals and six assists, and once again leading the team in every offensive category.
*All signings pending league and federation approval*
You can read about the two previous signing groups here. The season is drawing closer so be sure you don’t miss a thing! Check ottersoccer.com regularly and follow @ottersoccer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all things Otters! #FearTheFur #Path2Pro
