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Berson Welcomes Five New Players to 2018 Squad
Men's Soccer  . 

Berson Welcomes Five New Players to 2018 Squad

Feb. 9, 2018

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Head coach Mark Berson announced the addition of five players for the upcoming 2018 season Friday morning. Frano Buhovac, Josh Corning, Drew Johnson, Andrew Halloran and Seth Wiebusch will be continuing their soccer careers as Gamecocks.

“We are really pleased with this recruiting class. I think we have addressed several key needs that we have going forward for next year,” said Berson. “Another big consideration for us is to get all our players back healthy again. We had a number of surgeries last year and some of those players are just coming online in the spring and able to train with us. Getting all these pieces together will be important. We are already hard at work this spring, and we look forward to the fall.”

The 2017 Gamecocks went 6-9-2 (2-4-2 C-USA) and missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. Expectations will be high as Carolina returns an experienced bunch of 15 letterwinners, including 18 of its 21 goals and 16 of the team’s 24 assists.

Frano Buhovac (D) — ÄŒapljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Played one season for Kansas City Kansas Community College and helped lead them to the program’s first NJCAA Division I national tournament berth.
  • Started 18 games for the Blue Devils and earned Second Team All-Region VI honors. Scored four points (1G, 4A) in his lone season at KCKCC.
  • Favorite athlete is Zlatan Ibrahimović and favorite food is sushi.

Head Coach Mark Berson on Buhovac

“Frano joined us as a transfer in January. He’s a very experienced and capable center back who has the ability to organize the backline and play effectively out of the back. His experience and physical ability will strengthen us in the defense.”

Josh Corning (D) — Chapin, S.C.

  • Son of Ken and Lisa and has one sister – Sara.
  • Four-year letterwinner and two-time captain at Chapin High School.
  • Helped lead team to back-to-back state titles (2016-17) and 50 wins over the course of three seasons (2015-17).
  • Played club for South Carolina United FC, winning three state championships. Has been a member of SCU FC since the age of four.
  • Grew up a Gamecock fan and plans to major in business.

Head Coach Mark Berson on Corning

“Josh is a left-sided defender. He can be effective both in the backline and in midfield. He is a very steady, composed player on the ball. He will help to strengthen us in the fence.”

Drew Johnson (MF) — Duluth, Ga.

  • Son of Steve and Anne. Has three brothers – Daniel, Nick and Zack.
  • Played two seasons at Spartanburg Methodist College and earned first team all-conference honors.
  • Started 18 games for the Pioneers and scored 29 points (11G, 7A).
  • Was a three-year letterwinner at Greater Atlanta Christian School prior to attending SMC, winning back-to-back state titles (2014-15).
  • Played club for UFA Norcross 98 Premier.
  • Older brother Daniel is currently a midfielder for the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. He was a first round pick (11th overall) in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

Head Coach Mark Berson on Johnson

“DJ is a creative attacking player who is comfortable on the ball, has good vision, and has the ability to unlock players and create scoring chances with his passes. He will be a valuable player in and attacking roll for us.”

Andrew Halloran (F) — Greer, S.C.

  • Son of Jeff and Deanna. Has one older brother – Riley.
  • Four year letterwinner at Riverside High School, leading the team in scoring as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
  • Two-time all-state selection and three-time all-region pick. Voted team captain for upcoming senior season.
  • Played club for Carolina Elite Soccer Academy, winning state titles in 2015 and 2016. Was a part of CASL Showcase Group Champion and Disney Showcase Finalist team in 2015.
  • Competed against top level competition with CESA against teams from the U.S. Development Academy, USYS Premier League and USYS National League.
  • Favorite athlete is Neymar and enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors. Plans to major in business.

Head Coach Mark Berson on Halloran

“Andrew is an in-and-out attacking player. He has the ability to score goals using a number of different abilities. We see him as a forward in our system, but he is also comfortable playing in an attacking role in midfield.”

Seth Wiebusch (MF) — Harrisonville, Mo.

  • Son of Robert and Diana. Has one brother – Kolton.
  • Four-year letterwinner at Harrisonville High School and finished as one of the most decorated players in school history.
  • Started every match (97 games) and led team to 74 wins. Scored 118 goals and tallied 91 assists in four seasons (327 points). Holds six state records for points and assists.
  • Three-time all-state selection Kansas City Area Regional Player of the Year.
  • Played club for Kansas Rush Blue 99 with the Overalnd Park Soccer Club Academy.
  • Favorite food is steak and enjoys playing FIFA in his spare time.

Head Coach Mark Berson on Wiebusch

“Seth is a creative attacking player who is comfortable both in the midfield and upfront. He has good technical ability on the ball, and good vision. His passing ability enables him to unlock players and create chances. He is also a capable goal-scorer.”

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