Men's Soccer Adds Sam Copp to 2015 Class

The New Zealand native owns two international caps along with U17 FIFA World Cup experience.

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois men's soccer signing class of 2015 added a key piece with the addition of goalkeeper Sam Copp out of Auckland, New Zealand (Takapuna Grammar School), head coach Dr. Eric Johnson announced Wednesday (April 15). Copp marks the second signee for Johnson's incoming freshman class and brings with him two caps from international play.

"I am pleased to add Sam to our roster for next fall. The addition of Sam and Bruce (Corrie) to the program will help carry out the tradition of having quality goalkeeping at Western Illinois University," said coach Johnson on the signing. "We have been fortunate over the years to have had some of the very best keepers in The Summit League and the midwest, and these two will give us the chance to continue that tradition."

Copp joins the Leathernecks following the senior season of Summit League 'Goalkeeper of the Year', Yves Dietrich, and is now the third goalie on the Purple and Gold Roster. He joins current freshman, Jurgen Carabez who spent the 2014 season training with Dietrich, and fellow signee Bruce Corrie out of Redmond, Washington.

SAM COPP ~ Goalkeeper ~ 6-2 ~ 170 ~ Auckland, New Zealand ~ Takapuna Grammar School

COACH JOHNSON ON COPP: Sam has a high level of experience at his position... He is athletic and aspires to play at the next level... Sam is a technical goalkeeper... He is comfortable with both feet and he distributes well.

HIGH SCHOOL: Two international caps as part of the New Zealand U17 team... Youngest member of the New Zealand 2013 U17 FIFA World Cup team... Won 2013 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) U17 men's championship... Current member of New Zealand U20 team.

PERSONAL: Son of Jackie and Brent Copp... Born April 22, 1997... Started playing soccer at age five... Loves playing the game, especially compeitive matches... Enjoys being pushed to the highest level possible.

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Players Mentioned

#33 Jurgen Carabez: GK; 5' 11"; Freshman; Brother Rice

#1 Yves Dietrich: GK; 6' 1"; Senior; UW-Whitewater

Players Mentioned

#33 Jurgen Carabez
: 5' 11"; Freshman; Brother Rice
: GK

#1 Yves Dietrich
: 6' 1"; Senior; UW-Whitewater
: GK

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Players Mentioned

#33 Jurgen Carabez

#1 Yves Dietrich

Players Mentioned

#33 Jurgen Carabez

#1 Yves Dietrich