Cal State San Bernardino's men's soccer team, looking to improve its chances for a shot at the California Collegiate Athletic Association title and a post-season tournament berth in 2009, has signed six talented high school seniors to national letters of intent. 
    The Coyotes, who finished 6-5-3 in the CCAA in 2008, the fifth best record among the 11 conference teams, also return more than a dozen players from last season, including the team's three top scorers and two best goalkeepers. 
    “They (new players) are a very talented (freshman) class that should make an immediate impact on our squad,” said Head Coach Noah Kooiman. 
    “We are hoping that they will help our returning players get over the small hump into the post-season in 2009. The incoming class could be a very promising foundation that leads to a bright future for the men's soccer program,” said Assistant Coach Tony Vigil. 
    The six newcomers are: 
    ? Luis Nolasco of Bloomington High School. Nolasco is a starting striker for the Arsenal Club B-17 team in Alta Loma and is known for his technical ability, attack-minded approach, intelligent runs and fearless one-on-one approach. Nolasco was an all-CIF Southern Section first-team selection in Div. III.
    ? Danny Martinez of Estancia High School in Costa Mesa. Martinez is captain and starting midfielder for the United FC B-17 club in Irvine with an exceptional work ethic and a reputation as a strong decision-maker with good physical speed and ability to be a strong tackler and score goals. Martinez was named to the all-CIF Southern Section third team in Division IV.
    ? Martin Esqueda of Montclair High School, captain of the Arsenal FC B-17 team in Alta Loma who is versatile, able to play fullback or midfield positions and is “extremely technical” on the ball and has “a great vision for the game”, according to CSUSB coaches. He was picked on the all-CIF Southern Section first team in Division III.
    ? Demetrius Burgos of South Hills High School in West Covina. Burgos is captain of the Diamond Bar/Walnut B-17 team who is described as an explosive and gifted striker and possesses a relentless work ethic and a “great desire for the game.” 
    ? Tanner Olinger of Skyview High School in Vancouver, WA. He is the starting goalkeeper and captain of the premier league Columbia Timbers B-19 in Vancouver who is described as an athletic and well-trained keeper and an exceptional leader in the back. Coaches consider him “superb in aerial challenges and a great shot-stopper who constantly stays engaged in the game.” He was a member of the Oregon Olympic Development Team in 2008. 
    ? Bradley Smagacz of Great Oak High School in Temecula. He is a starting left back for United FC B-17 team in Irvine. Smagacz is described as a physically strong and athletic back with solid technical ability and is a left-footed player who is strong in 50/50 tackles. 
    Those six join a team led by all-CCAA second team selection Obi Agwu, who led
the team in scoring and assists in 2008. Agwu, a junior in the fall, had seven goals and seven assists last season. 
    Other top scorers returning are Jose Godinez, a junior-to-be who had six goals and two assists and Albert Cabrera, a junior-to-be who scored four goals and assisted on five others. Also back are junior goalkeepers Tyler Kahn and Arath De La Rocha who combined for 74 saves in 1800 minutes of playing time. 
    The team closed out the 2008 season with a 2-2 double overtime tie against Cal State Dominguez Hills, who went on to win the NCAA Division II national championship.