SMU men’s soccer announces 5-player recruiting class
DALLAS (Via SMU) – Southern Methodist University men’s soccer head coach Kevin Hudson announced the signing of five players from the class of 2019. The new players complete the signing class, joining the five others that started on the Hilltop in January.
Mitchell Murphy – (F) Quincy, IL
Murphy attends Quincy Notre Dame High School and plays his club soccer for Lou Fusz. He is a 2x Illinois All-Sectional, 2x Player of the Year, and Illinois All-State award winner. He was also selected to play in the 2018 High School All-America Game. Murphy scored 33 goals and tallied 12 assists in 2018 while leading his team to an Illinois 1A State Championship. He currently holds the record at Quincy HS for career points, career assists, and sits 2nd in career goals. He was also an Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year Candidate.
Hudson on Murphy:
“Mitch is an athletic and powerful striker. He has a tremendous work rate and is always looking to exploit space behind the opponent’s back line.”
Henry Smith-Hastie – (M) Los Angeles, CA
Smith-Hastie comes to SMU from Loyola High School of Los Angeles and Santa Monica United. He helped lead his team to 2 SoCal Regional Championships and a 1 CIFSS Championship. He was named league MVP 2x, First-Team All-CIF 2x, and a TopDrawerSoccer All-American. He recorded 17 goals and 16 assists his senior season.
Hudson on Smith-Hastie:
“Henry is a technically gifted central midfielder who possesses excellent vision. He can set the tempo of a game with his tactical understanding and decision making.”
Stephen Canty – (GK) San Antonio, TX
Canty plays High School soccer for Tivy High School and club soccer for Classics Elite. He is a 4 year starter at Tivy and holds a career goals against average of 1.134, while totaling over 5,500 minutes in goal. Canty was named 5A All-State 3x, All Super Team 2x, and All District 4x. He was also a 4-year team captain.
Hudson on Canty:
“Stephen is a well-rounded goalkeeper who is mature beyond his age. He’s an excellent shot stopper but also leads the team from the back. Stephen is clearly the best 2019 goalkeeper in Texas.”
Matt Mclaws – (M/F) Oklahoma City, OK
Mclaws joins SMU by way of Deer Creek High School and Oklahoma Energy FC. He helped lead his team to 4 Oklahoma State Championships, 2 USYSA Regional Semifinalists appearances, and a National League Championship. He led the team goals in assists the last 3 seasons and is also a member of the OKC Energy PDL Team.
Hudson on Mclaws:
“Matt is a hardworking and relentless midfielder. His competitive drive and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable addition to the Mustang roster. Matt continues the SMU tradition of bringing Oklahoma’s top players to the Hilltop.”
Anthony Perea – (D/M) Frisco, TX
Perea attends Lone Star High School but plays academy soccer for the Dallas Texans. He has been part of the club from 2014-present where he played a pivotal role in the Dallas Texans success. Perea was part of the Dana and Gothia Cup Championship teams in 2015 and 2016. He has been a consistent centerpiece to the Texans academy starting games for them at LB, LM, and CB.
Hudson on Perea:
“Anthony is a versatile left sided player. He has good technique and a high soccer IQ. He’s a local product who played for the Dallas Texans so we know he will bring a competitive edge.”
