May 13, 2010

RedStorm soccer adds Nocero

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm men's soccer team has added another player to its 2010 recruiting class with the signing of John Nocero of Charles Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Ohio. Nocero recently signed his national letter of intent to play at Rio Grande beginning in the fall.

Nocero, a 5'10" midfielder, has also played for the Cleveland Blues Soccer Club, serving as team captain. 

The Rio Grande coaching staff spotted Nocero at a combine in Mentor, Ohio and invited him down to Rio Grande for a tryout. Rio Grande head coach Scott Morrissey is pleased to add Nocero to the program. "We're excited to have John come on board," said Morrissey. "He certainly has some ability and he comes from a good background, very well-coached. 

"Will he make varsity? That remains to be seen," Morrissey added. "He is going to get a chance. He is definitely the kind of player you want to have in a program."

Nocero likens his style of play to that of Rio Grande. "I think that it (Rio Grande) is a good fit because the style I play is the style they play," Nocero said.

Nocero noted the size of the school as a key factor in his decision to sign with Rio Grande. "I like that it's a small school and everyone seemed really nice," he said.

He has not yet pinpointed an area of study that he would like to pursue. "I'm undecided and looking over my options," Nocero said.

Nocero discussed his strengths as a player and also what he feels he needs to work on to get ready for the next level of competition. "I'm good with the ball at my feet and taking people on off the dribble. I'm also a good defender and passer," he said. "I need to work on my finishing and cardio the most." 

Nocero admitted that outside of the success of the soccer team, he did not know anything about Rio Grande. "I didn't know anything about the university, but I knew the soccer team was really successful," he said.

The goal for Nocero while playing at Rio Grande is simply to help the team be successful. "I want to help the team win in any way that I can," he said.

John is the son of Michael & Karen Nocero of Lyndhurst, Ohio.

Nocero joins Daniel Scott of Warren High School, Tyler Kuhner, Jordan Jenkins and Paul Wyatt Smith of Zane Trace High School and Caleb Wilson and Jake Pyle of Alexander High School as the current crop of recruits for the 2010 Rio Grande soccer program.