Jackets add local pair

Posted: Feb 2, 2012 3:08 PM by Scott Breen - Q2 Sports
Updated: Feb 2, 2012 3:33 PM

BILLINGS - Adding to an already solid local presence, the Montana State University Billings men's soccer team and head coach Dan McNally have announced the signing of two local standouts to national letters of intent. Senior High School's Logan Deeney and teammate Alex Erickson signed their names in commitments to play as Yellowjackets Wednesday night to commence the men's 2012 signing class.

"Signing student athletes from Montana is a big part of our program," McNally stated. "I think it's good for our growing soccer community, especially in Billings, that we get the best local talent to commit to MSUB. Former MSUB standouts Chris Andre, Justin Hoskins and Brian Huskey each proved that local players can be a success at the NCAA Division II level. Last season Kyle Emerick and Matt Brink (both from Billings)each started a number of games and played very well. We are building a program that is connected to our local community."

Deeney was a four-year letter-winner as a goalkeeper for the Broncs, logging 52 total games between the pipes including starting 49 games. Out of 391 total shots taken against him, Deeney allowed only 59 total goals in his career and logged 15 total shutouts which leaves him with a save percentage of 85% that helped him have a 28-23-9 record.

As a senior and team captain, he was an integral part for his team finishing second place in the State Class 2A standings which followed the Broncs claiming the conference crown his junior year after finishing the regular season third in the state in 2010.

Deeney was a two-time (2010-11) All-State first team selection by the Montana Coaches' Association as well as a 2011 Super State Class 2A selection and a nominee for the Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior year. Equally strong in the classroom, he was also a three-time Academic All-State honoree and earned All-Conference plaudits as well as the Black Whistle Award during his sophomore season.

"Logan has the natural ability to be an outstanding goalkeeper," stated McNally. "He is 6-4, which is a significant advantage in that position. His distribution is excellent and I think, if he works hard at his fundamentals, he will be a great addition to our program."

Erickson finished his career at Senior splitting time as both a defender and as a midfielder, lettering all four years.

Like Deeney, Erickson was a fundamental player in the Broncs finishing third in the state as well as claiming a conference championship as a junior. This past season, as a senior and co-captain, Erickson helped lead his team to finishing second in the state in Class 2A soccer while also earning All-State honors. He was also named to the Super State team at center back.

As a junior, Erickson was named to the All-Conference team and as a freshman, he earned Rookie of the Year distinctions to go along with Academic All-State honors.

"I coached Alex in club soccer from 2006-08 and I always thought he would progress to the college level," McNally said. "He was the youngest player on my club team and I was always impressed with his commitment and soccer ability. Alex is a great addition to our 2012 roster and I'm looking forward to coaching him again."