Montreat College men’s soccer Head Coach David Knapp announced on Wednesday the signing of Oxford United Academy captain Ryan Buick (Banbury, England) for the 2013 season.
‘‘Looking forward with anticipation and excitement to be joining the Montreat College men’s soccer team next season,” said Buick. “Sharing with them my enthusiasm, skills and talent to have a successful season.”
The versatile 5-foot-8 midfielder/defender brings that enthusiasm to Gaither Circle following a successful career where he was named Oxford United Academy’s and Banbury United’s captain in his final seasons.
Throughout his two year career the Banbury, England, native recorded seven career goals and 15 career assists as a center back for Oxford. Buick recorded career-highs in goals (4) and assists (10) as he led the Yellows to 12 wins in his final season.
Buick was named Banbury United’s Player’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year as he led The Puritans to a County Cup Final, League Cup, and a League Runner-up finish in his two seasons at Station Approach.
“Ryan brings a lot of experience in a number of positions that will bring great depth to our squad,” Knapp declared. “His leadership along with his technical skills and tactical awareness will allow him to compete right away.”
Montreat adds Buick to a squad that won the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament Championship and advanced to their first NAIA National Tournament in 2011 and is the midst of rebuilding a Cavalier program that has featured four (4) Appalachian Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year (Shaka Bangura, ’05, Howard Fisher, ’06, Troy Watson, ’07, Sami Bin, ’08), two (2) AAC Players of the Year (Shaka Bangura, ’07, Shaka Bangura, ’08), one (1) AAC Golden Boot (Shaka Bangura, ’09), and one (1) NAIA All-American (Shaka Bangura, ’09).
Coach Knapp is looking to replace his seven graduating seniors from the 2012 squad, that include Third Team All-AAC forward Craig Wilson (Carenege, Trinidad) and Sandy Zensen Champions of Character Award winner, midfielder, David Friedrichs (Midlothian, VA).
