Two signees announced for men’s soccer

April 14, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Merlotti, Kohler heading to MSSU

Missouri Southern State University head men’s soccer coach Kiley Cirillo announced on Thursday that two more prep standouts will join the Lion soccer program in 2005-06.

Alex Kohler (Nixa, Mo.) and Perry Merlotti (Dixon, Mo.) have announced their intentions to attend MSSU this fall and suit up for the Southern soccer team.

Kohler, a 5-foot-9 and 140-pound forward, was a four-year starter on the pitch for the Nixa (Mo.) High School Eagles of coach Evan Palmer. Kohler is a three-time all-district selection, including first-team honors in each of the last two seasons. He was also a second-team all-state honoree in 2003 and finished his career ranked fifth on the NHS career scoring charts.

The son of James and Janice Kohler, he plans to major in criminal justice.

Merlotti, a 5-foot-9 and 163-pound forward, started all three years in boys soccer at Dixon (Mo.) High School. He earned honors on the all-district team each year and finished as the Bulldogs career scoring leader. As a senior, Merlotti tallied 37 goals and 23 assists. He was twice named the team’s offensive player of the year and helped DHS to district titles his sophomore and junior years.

Merlotti is the son of Bill Merlotti and Michelle Meier. He plans to major in health promotion & wellness.

Kohler and Merlotti join Jon Hansen (Wichita, Kan./Northwest HS) as the latest announced additions for the MSSU men’s soccer team.

The 2005 season will mark the second season for the NCAA Division II Lions in the grueling Southwest Soccer Conference. In 2004, the SSC had two teams in the 24-team NCAA-II postseason field.


	April 14, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Two signees announced for men’s soccer Merlotti, Kohler heading to MSSU Missouri Southern State University head men’s soccer coach Kiley Cirillo announced on Thursday that two more prep standouts will join the Lion soccer program in 2005-06. Alex Kohler (Nixa, Mo.) and Perry Merlotti (Dixon, Mo.) have announced their intentions to attend MSSU this fall and suit up for the Southern soccer team. Kohler, a 5-foot-9 and 140-pound forward, was a four-year starter on the pitch for the Nixa (Mo.) High School Eagles of coach Evan Palmer. Kohler is a three-time all-district selection, including first-team honors in each of the last two seasons. He was also a second-team all-state honoree in 2003 and finished his career ranked fifth on the NHS career scoring charts. The son of James and Janice Kohler, he plans to major in criminal justice. Merlotti, a 5-foot-9 and 163-pound forward, started all three years in boys soccer at Dixon (Mo.) High School. He earned honors on the all-district team each year and finished as the Bulldogs career scoring leader. As a senior, Merlotti tallied 37 goals and 23 assists. He was twice named the team’s offensive player of the year and helped DHS to district titles his sophomore and junior years. Merlotti is the son of Bill Merlotti and Michelle Meier. He plans to major in health promotion & wellness. Kohler and Merlotti join Jon Hansen (Wichita, Kan./Northwest HS) as the latest announced additions for the MSSU men’s soccer team. The 2005 season will mark the second season for the NCAA Division II Lions in the grueling Southwest Soccer Conference. In 2004, the SSC had two teams in the 24-team NCAA-II postseason field.