Northwestern Men's Soccer Signs Five to Letters of Intent

March 1, 2001

Evanston, Ill. - Assistant men's soccer coach Mike Cornell announced the signing of five players to National Letters of Intent. They will begin play for the Wildcats in the 2001 season.

Ryan Mills Pederson * Goalkeeper * Westerville, Ohio/Westerville North 


* .714 goals against average
* 2000 Third Team All-State
* 2000 First Team All-District
* 2000 Scholar Athlete 
Assistant coach Mike Cornell on Pederson: "The quickness that Ryan exhibits, with his size, is truly what separates him from the crowd. His leadership skills in the back will also be critical for the team."


Matt Pyzyk * Defender/Midfield * Brookfield, Wis./Brookfield East

* Four year letterwinner
* All-Greater Metro Conference
* 1997 State Champions
* 2000 team captain
Assistant coach Mike Cornell on Pyzyk: "Matt's competitiveness, coupled with his ability to win the ball and distribute, will make him a tough player as a defensive middlefield or in the back."


John Dalquist * Forward/Midfield * Bartlett, Ill./Bartlett

* 18 goals, 23 assists senior season
* Illinois High School Association Soccer Coaches All-State Team
* Upstate Eight Academic All-Conference Team
* Three years of international experience
Assistant coach Mike Cornell on Dalquist: "John has the ability to beat players one-on-one, get behind the defense and find the open net. He will add depth for us in the attacking third of the field."


Brandon Gayler * Defender *?Glen Carbon, Ill./Edwardsville

* Three time first team All-Conference
* Three year team captain
* 2000 All-State selection
* 2000 State Champions
Assistant coach Mike Cornell on Gayler: "Brandon has tremendous potential and all of the qualities to be a solid defensive player. He is a natural leader who will challenge for a spot at sweeper or marking back."


Derek Schneider *?Midfield/Defender *?Menomonee Falls, Wis./Marquette University
* 2000 National Soccer Coaches Association Midwest All-American
* 2000 Wisconsin Coaches Association All-State First Team
* 2000 All-Greater Metro Conference First Team
* 1998-99 WISAA State Champions/2000 WIAA State Champions

Assistant coach Mike Cornell on Schneider: "Derek has excellent vision and skill which makes him a lethal player when he has the ball. He also has the ability to read the game and distribute with precision."