Feb. 20, 2006

Loudonville, N.Y.- Head men's soccer coach Charlie Curto announced the team has received a binding national letter of intent from Gregory Young to attend Siena beginning in September of 2006. The Saints sign one of the Capital Region's most prolific defenders and the 2005 MVP of the State Championship Tournament.

"Greg is an impact player who has the ability to start next season in the backfield," explained Curto. "We have been monitoring him for some time and are really happy he decided to join the Green and Gold. Many schools were in pursuit of him and we know he will immediately improve our overall team defense. It's a real treat to know he will remain in the Capital Region displaying his soccer ability for the next four years."

Young's soccer resume is filled with accolades. Last season, the Shenendehowa High School product led his team to a New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA Championship and was named Section II Class AA Player of the Year in addition to being named to All-Region and All-State Teams. In 2004, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year on a team that was New York State Semi-Finalists while amassing a Regional and Section II Championship in the process.

The Ballston Lake native displayed his versatility last season as he was moved to the midfield where his 11 goals ranked second on the team. The Plainsmen defense was impenetrable in the final four games of the season, when Young moved back to his more regular defensive position, not allowing a goal en route to the State Championship. In all, Shen had 15 shutouts last season including seven over the season's last 11 games.

Young joins a Saints team that is losing two of their defensive leaders in Alejandro Vazquez and T.J. Helly.