Anderson, S.C. – Anderson University Athletics salutes the 2019 men's soccer seniors, which helped led the Trojans to an overall record of 12-6-1, and their second straight appearance in the South Atlantic Conference Championship Finals.
Conor Kilgallon is graduate student from Hertford, England. Conor graduated from Plymouth University in England before coming to the U.S. to pursue his MBA. Conor will graduate in May with an MBA specializing in business administration and supply chain management. Conor has featured in 26 matches over the past two seasons. He is a tremendous leader on the field and has helped the back line secure 6 shutouts already this season.
"Conor is great player…he makes everyone around him better", said head coach Michael Zion. "He has been a fantastic leader and this year has consistently stepped up for the team in big moments."
Ryan Tyrer is a senior defender from Liverpool, England. He will graduate this may with a degree in business marketing. Ryan has featured in 38 matches over the past two seasons, starting all 38. Ryan was named to the SAC All Conference 2nd team in 2018 and 2019 and the Southeast Regional 2nd team in 2018 and 3rd team in 2019. Ryan has notched three goals as a central defender. He has been a rock in the back line for the Trojans over the past two seasons. He was named team captain for his senior campaign and has helped the team record 6 clean sheets so far this season.
"Ryan is a fierce competitor and has been a key contributor in the success of the program over the past two seasons", said Zion. "Ryan has a fantastic ability to lead and inspire those around him."
Vinny Veiga is a senior midfielder from Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. Vinny will graduate in May with pre-engineering degree. Vinny has featured in 40 matches over his time at AU. He has been a main staple in the midfield ever since joining the Trojans in 2016. He has helped the Trojans earn a spot in the SAC Tournament Final and an at large bid to the 2018 NCAA National Tournament.
"Vinny is one of the most passionate and hardest working players I have had the pleasure of coaching here at AU", emphasized Zion. "Vinny always leaves it on the field…he competes like a warrior every times he steps foot on the field."
Colin Burris is a senior midfielder from Milton, Georgia. He will graduate this May with a degree in financial economics. Not only is Colin a top student but he has made a significant impact in the soccer program at AU. Colin has featured in 50 plus games over the past four years. He has recorded 8 goals and 4 assists, including several key game winning goals. Colin was named to the 2018 SAC All-tournament team and was named co-captain for the 2019 season.
"Colin is one of those big moment players", said Zion. "He has come up huge for us, numerous times, over the past four years. Colin is a team player, through and through. His commitment to the team and the team's success is second to none."
Juan SanJuan is a senior midfielder from Greenville, South Carolina. Juan will graduate this May with a degree in Business. Juan graduated from Spartanburg Methodist where he was a key contributor to the success of their soccer program before continuing his studies at Anderson University. Juan has made 20 plus appearances over his two years at AU. As a defensive midfielder he has helped the team win over 20 matches in two seasons, including a crucial win during the first round of the 2018 NCAA National Tournament.
"Juan is a technical and intricate player, said Zion. "He loves to play the game and plays with a lot of energy. He is always looking to improve his game and get better. Juan works very hard and has been an important piece to what we are trying to achieve as a program."
Jhon Vaca is a senior midfielder from Madrid, Spain. Jhon will graduate with a business marketing degree this December and has an impressive 3.9 GPA. Jhon wishes to continue studying for his MBA and playing as he has one year of eligibility remaining. Jhon has appeared in over 60 matches for the black and gold over the past three seasons and has recorded five goals and seven assists. In 2018 Jhon was named to the SAC All-Conference Honorable Mention.
"Jhon is one of the most technically gifted players I have had the pleasure of coaching at AU", boasted Zion. "He is an exciting player and when he is at his best, he is a joy to watch."
Conley Waters is a senior midfielder from Lexington, South Carolina. Conley begin his collegiate career at USC Aiken before transferring to Anderson for his junior year. Conley will graduate in May with a degree in psychology. Conley has featured in 12 matches over the last two seasons for the Trojans. His 2019 highlight to date includes a goal that helped seal a memorable win verse #11 Lander University.
"Conley is one of the most dedicated players on the team, said Zion. "He works tirelessly for the team and is an unbelievable team mate. I think the team chemistry has been at its best over the last two season and Conley has been an important piece to that."
Myles Duncan is senior forward from Evans, Georgia. Myles will graduate this May with a degree in Biology. Myles is hopeful to continue his studies in medical school following his graduation. Myles has appeared in in over 45 matches for the Trojans during his career, which includes a game winning goal against Mars Hill to secure the teams place in the SAC Tournament in 2017.
"Myles always puts a smile on everyone's face…he is the guy who can dictate the energy and mood of the team", said Zion. "Myles has worked tirelessly to help the team climb in the conference and regional rankings. Myles is the definition of a team players and great teammate."
