CLINTON, Iowa – Even though the season-opener is a little over six weeks away, Head Coach Richard Markham and the Ashford University men's soccer team is still taking the summer months to put additional pieces in place for the upcoming 2012 season.

The team bolstered its defensive line on Wednesday by announcing the commitment of Froilan Marchan Jr. to the team for the fall.  The announcement marks the eighth newcomer slated to arrive in training camp next month.

Marchan, a Chicago, Ill.-native, was a four-year varsity starter for Farragut Career Academy where he was a two-time All-Conference and All-Sectional performer for the Admirals.  In addition, he spent his final two years representing the team as a captain and tallied a goal and 15 assists in that stretch.  He was also an All-City selection and an All-Academic selection during his senior year.

"I am very excited about the signing of Froilan," said Coach Markham.  "I feel that he has a fantastic future ahead of him and feel that he will be a valuable piece that will contribute greatly to the future success of the Ashford University soccer program."

Froilan is the son Froilan and Roselia Marchan and plans to study English and communications when he enrolls at AU.

Other 2012 AU Men's Soccer Commitments
Jordan Hoffman - Hyde Park, Utah (William Penn University)
Simon Brown - Dublin, Ireland (NIACC)
Scott Lennon - United Kingdom (Crowder College)
Brock Smutney - Lehigh Acres, Fla. (Crowder College)
Justin Clemons - Lehigh Acres, Fla. (Crowder College)
Patrick Kinsella – Frimley, England (NIACC)
Dominic Usera – Rapid City, S.D. (Stevens HS)