Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Add Two Newcomers For 2002 Season
6/28/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
June 28, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern men's soccer coach Tim Lenahan announced the signing of two more players for the 2002 season, goalkeeper J.D. Martin and forward/midfielder Humberto "Tito" Lara. With their signings, the Wildcats will begin the 2002 season with 14 newcomers, as Lenahan continues his quest to "Build Something Special" with the program.
Martin is a particular coup for Lenahan, as he comes to Evanston after playing three years for national power Rutgers. A graduate student, Martin has one year of eligibility left and chose to transfer to Northwestern to complete his career.
Martin suffered an injury-plagued career at Rutgers, but enjoyed his finest season last year. He appeared in 12 games and had a 0.96 goals-against average, helping the Scarlet Knights to a 15-7-3 overall record and a third-round appearance in the NCAA Championships, where they lost to eventual national runner-up Indiana, 1-0. After seeing no action in 1998 and 1999 (redshirting in 1999 due to a fractured arm), he appeared in six matches in 2000 and had a 2.38 GAA.
"J.D.'s leadership ability will have an immediate impact to the program, both on and off the field," said Lenahan, who enters his second season at NU. "He is a proven goalkeeper and a two-year captain for a Top 10 program, so he knows what it takes to win at the highest level. He will be given the captain's band here, as well, and his presence and experience should have a great effect on our young players."
"Tito" Lara proved himself a prolific scorer in high school. A four-year letterwinner at Joliet High School, he scored 34 goals and had 19 assists in his last two seasons and led his team to the sectional final both years. As a result, he earned all-conference, all-section and Herald News All-Area. Earlier this week, Lara helped his Chicago Magic club team win the Region II under-17 championship in Sylvania, Ohio, and as a result they advance to compete at the 2002 SNICKERS U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships July 23-28 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Md.
"Tito was a late bloomer who has really come on of late," said Lenahan. "He has a great touch, great vision and can make big plays. Since he played on a younger club team he slipped under the radar screen, but his play recently has made him one of this year's top recruits. We are looking for him to make an immediate impact on our attack."
The Wildcats will kick off the 2002 season August 30-31 in Peoria, Ill., at a tournament being hosted by Bradley University. NU will open against the host Braves on Friday, August 30, then play Drury on Saturday, August 31.
