HUNTINGTON -- Marshall University men's soccer recruited four players with speed and versatility.

Marshall's recruits are Travis Brent of Virginia Beach, Va.; Michael Hayes from Fort Wayne, Ind.; Ryan Kelly of West Deptford, N.J.; and Anthony Virgara from Pittsburgh, Pa.

"As a group, they bring us a lot of speed, athleticism and versatility; all attributes that are necessary to succeed in Conference USA," Marshall head coach Bob Gray said. "As a coaching staff, we couldn't be happier with the combination of this group and the returning players. They are only going to make us that much better. We'll be young again, but we should prove to be dangerous."

Brent, a 5-foot-11, 160-pound defender, was a four year player at Landstown High School and was captain of the Virginia Rush AJ Auxerre Development Academy team for two years.

Gray said Brent sees the field well and rarely gets caught out of position.

"He is steady as can be and just as important, he is a great young man," Gray said.

Hayes, a 5-8, 150-pound outside midfielder is from Southside High School in Fort Wayne. He has also played for FC Pride of Indianapolis in spring soccer and for the fort Wayne Fever Super Y team in summer soccer.

Gray's description of Hayes included the words pace and explosiveness.

"He loves to have the ball at his feet and take on players down the wing, and he delivers a great cross from dangerous positions in the final third," Gray said.

Kelly is a 5-9, 155-pound midfielder from West Deptford High School where he was an all-conference and All-New Jersey selection as a senior.

He also played on the New Jersey state ODP team in 2009.

"We noticed Ryan right away for his grit and work ethic on the field, both in high level club soccer and in regional ODP events," said Gray. "He is real comfortable on the ball, likes to mix it up with opponents, and most important, is a blue collar player."

Virgara, a 6-foot, 160-pound midfielder, hails from Keystone Oaks High School, where he was a force in Western Pennsylvania high school soccer. He also played on the Allegheny Force club team.

"Anthony's athleticism and versatility give us the flexibility to play him at either outside or central midfielder," Gray said. "With a knack to get forward in the attack, confidence to take people on with pace, and a consistent shot from 18-yards out, he will give us a real viable option for our flank play."

Marshall finished the 2009 season with a 10-7-2 overall record, a 6-2 mark in C-USA and advanced to the conference tournament championship game.

The 2010 season opener is a Sept. 1 home match against Xavier.

National Video