Syracuse University men’s soccer adds three players to roster
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse head men’s soccer coach Ian McIntyre has announced that Amferny Arias Sinclair (Alajuela, Costa Rica), Matt Orr (Hamilton, Hong Kong/University of San Francisco) and Nyal Higgins (Ajax, Canada/Oakland University) have joined the program. The trio is on campus and participating in spring practice.
Amferny Arias Sinclair, Alajuela, Costa Rica – Bri Bri High School
Sinclair is a product of the Alajuelense Academy, representing Costa Rica at the U15, U17 and U20 National Team level. He captained the Costa Rican U17 team in the 2017 FIFA World Cup in India and recently was a starting central midfielder on the U20 Costa Rican team competing in the 2018 Concacaf U20 Championship.
“Amferny is a mobile midfield player who has the physicality, ability and the energy to be an excellent box to box player in the ACC,” McIntyre said. “We are delighted to have Amferny join us at this stage of the year and we look forward to quickly integrating him into our young team.”
Matt Orr, Hamilton, Hong Kong – University of San Francisco
Orr played in 41 games over three years at USF as both a left back and a central defender. He registered four goals and two assists, led his team to the 2017 NCAA Tournament Second Round, and earned 2016 WCC All-Freshman honors. Orr has recently made two appearances for the Hong Kong Senior National Team and appeared in the 2018 Asian Games.
“Matt is a talented, technical player who has enjoyed a good career at a very strong USF program,” McIntyre said. “Matt provides additional balance, quality, and valuable experience to our squad. I am really looking forward to working with Matt this spring and I believe that he will make a quick, successful transition to the ACC.”
Nyal Higgins, Ajax, Canada – Oakland University
Higgins played in 51 games as a center back for Oakland, scoring four goals. He was recognized as All-Horizon League Second Team in 2017 and 2018, as well as being selected to the 2016 Horizon League All-Freshman Team. He has been a member of the U20 and U18 Canadian National Team Pool.
“Nyal is an elite college defender who will immediately help replace Kamal Miller and Lennart Zeugner,” McIntyre said. “Nyal is a tough, physical player who excels in individual match-ups. He has come from an excellent, well-coached program and he will bring crucial leadership and experience to our back line.
“I am excited to welcome these three outstanding young men into our program. It is always a real advantage to have the right student-athletes join your program for the spring campaign. Each of these young men will take tremendous pride in representing our Syracuse program both on and off the soccer pitch.”
Sinclair, Orr and Higgins join a squad that earned the No. 16 seed in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Syracuse had a first-round bye before losing to eventual national runner-up Akron in the second round.
