BILLINGS, Mont. – Announcing the first four additions to the 2015 Montana State University Billings men's soccer program, head coach Alex Balog introduced Eli Herman, Anthony Morrell, Thiago Novis and Trevor Wildberger as the newest Yellowjackets on Thursday.
 
"With the addition of Eli, Anthony, Thiago and Trevor, we have strengthened our program defensively and offensively," Balog said. "All four signees will bring quality to the team, both on and off the field. They're coming here with aspirations to play right away and that is exactly what we are looking for. They are all guys who will work hard, day-in and day-out, and push themselves and their teammates to become better."
 
Eli Herman

Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman High School/North Idaho College
6'0" – Midfielder/Defender
 
Herman begins his career with the Yellowjackets after one season at North Idaho College. He helped the Cardinals to a second-place finish in the Northwest Athletic Conference, and the team was ranked No. 18 in the nation by season's end. At North Idaho College, Herman was an East/South Division all-star.
 
With strong skills in multiple positions, Herman has ability on the right side as either an outside back or a winger, and could also be a contributor in the middle of the field as a center midfielder. The Bozeman High School standout earned three letters for the Hawks under head coach Hunter Terry and helped the squad to an overall 42-14 record.
 
As a senior, Herman was an all-state selection after leading the state in scoring with 22 goals. He also helped the Hawks to back-to-back Class AA state titles in 2012 and 2013, and helped the team become the first in MHSA history to go undefeated with a spotless 15-0 mark his senior year.
 
Herman also spent time playing for the Bozeman Blitz during his prep career and was a member of the Region IV Olympic Development Program team.
 
Coach Balog on Herman: "We are thrilled Eli decided to commit to MSUB men's soccer, as he has been on our radar for a long while now. With Eli, we get one of the finest soccer players the state of Montana has produced in the last several years. Eli's versatility will serve him well, as he will be pushing for considerable playing time right away."

 

Anthony Morrell
Bismarck, North Dakota
Century High School
5'9" – Defender
 
Morrell was a four-year letterwinner under head coach Nate Ulness, where he helped the Patriots to a 14-2 record and three state championship titles. Morrell was named a team captain as a senior and earned all-state honors. Also participating in track for one season, Morrell was a member of the National Honor Society.
 
Coach Balog on Morrell: "We recruited Anthony for a while and are very happy he decided to commit to MSUB, as he was highly sought after by a number of schools. Anthony will provide us with depth and cover in the back. With him, we also get a quality student who will get the job done in the classroom."
 
Morrell on choosing MSUB: "I really like Montana for everything that it has to offer. Also, I really liked MSUB from the time I went out to visit my junior year. Then when I went for an official visit my senior year, I really liked the coaching staff and the team."
 

Thiago Novis
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Montverde Academy/Fresno Pacific University
6'1" – Winger
 
Novis comes to MSUB as a powerful offensive force, with the ability to supply firepower as an attacking midfielder. Under head coach Michael Potempa at Montverde Academy, he helped the Eagles to a perfect 21-0 record in his final season.
 
The Brazilian was a three-time top goal scorer in his league, and tallied 17 goals overall in 20 games. Attending Fresno Pacific University as a freshman, he earned the first Freshman of the Week honor in the PacWest Conference a season ago. Overall with the Sunbirds, Novis scored four goals and had an assist as a midfielder in two seasons.
 
Coach Balog on Novis: "We are extremely pleased we've been able to secure a talented player such as Thiago. He is a product of the renowned Flamengo youth academy in Brazil. Besides being a quality reinforcement on the field, Thiago is also a quality student, transferring in with a 3.30 college GPA. We look forward to him having a great career at MSUB."
 
Novis on choosing MSUB: "MSUB has a very competitive soccer program, and they play in one of the toughest conferences in college soccer."

 
Trevor Wildberger
Rocklin, California
Rocklin High School
5'9" – Goalkeeper
 
Wildberger was a two-sport standout at Rocklin High, earning three letters in soccer as a goalkeeper and one in baseball as an outfielder for the Thunder. Wildberger also captained the Cal Blues U17 soccer team during his high school career.
 
Coach Balog on Wildberger: "We are excited that Trevor is finally coming to MSUB, as he had committed last year but could not make it due to medical reasons. Trevor will provide us with depth in goal and will be pushing Tom (Lohmann) and Joe (Scott) for playing time. He is technically sound and very athletic, and will be a great addition on and off the field."
 
Wildberger on choosing MSUB: "I chose to go to MSUB a year ago because the soccer program here is all about sticking together as a family and fighting for each other. Also the business program is one of the best and that is exactly what I wanted as well."