After several months of looking at players and even staging them in an International face off with Mexican powerhouse Chivas Guadalajara’s Under 20’s, Futbol Club Santa Clarita Storm is ready to start making selections to roster players for the 2012 season.

Matt Shaxton

One of the stand outs that walked on in camp after the initial tryouts in September were held, and do very well for himself is Matt Shaxton. A 6’1″, 185lb defensive player who lives locally in Santa Clarita. Originally from England, Matt played from youth until just about three years ago. “Matt just the right size and shows excellent ability with his feet when controlling the ball and moving with and without the ball. At camp he shows excellent skill and athleticism, and you could tell his technical ability. ” said Gerald Brunner, CEO and director of operations for F.C.S.C. As a youth in England Matt played with Bristol City Academy, AFC Academy, and from 2003 until 2006 played in England at the Semi-Pro level with three different clubs; Bridgewater Town, Gloucester City & Cirencester Town, and won the Southern English League National Trophy with Hartpury College in 2008. Shaxton then came to the United States and found himself in Bakersfield playing div. 1 at Cal State Bakersfield and leading his team as Captain. Shaxton captured the MVP title at Cal State Bakersfield in 2009 and was selected to the Mountain Pacific Sport Federations All Conference First Team. When Coach Jarrod Cline was asked to comment he said; “Matt will be a great addition to our team … he brings experience, knowledge, strength, and the technical ability to compete and excel at this level.”

Santa Clarita Storm will re-sign three players form 2011: Tyler Coombes, as well as Richard and Martin Galvan. Tyler, while sharing the responsibilities of Captain with the Storm, also shared the top slot in points for the team last year. “Tyler will give us another great season with his technical ability and speed…he has a wealth of experience at the college and professional level which will make F.C.S.C a very competitive team this upcoming season” Coach Cline said. Coombes who is an Antelope Valley player who after a very successful youth career with the local Palmdale Thunder Club team from ages 12 to 17 was recognized for his leadership by wearing the captain arm band all five years, and was voted MVP of his U-15, U-16 and U-17 teams. High school was no different for Tyler where he played Varsity in his junior and senior years. His Sophomore year was the only year Coombes did not play varsity but picked up another M.V.P trophy. In his Junior year was voted to First Team All League and Defensive Player of the Year. Senior year Coombes collected several more awards; M.V.P, Golden Boot, First Team all League, and topped off the year by winning the M.V.P award in the Senior All-Star game. Coombes first year in College he received the goal of the year award at Cal State L.A. Division II (2009).

Tyler Coombes

In 2010, Coombes joined the Lancaster Rattlers of the U.S.L’s P.D.L (now the F.C.S.C Storm), started all 16 games. In 2011 he played with the Rattlers F. C. (Also now the F.C.S.C Storm of the N.P.S.L ) of the National Premier Soccer Leagues & lead in Scoring as well as tied for second in assists. “We are looking forward to his return” says Brunner, “He is an explosive player and becoming a better and better leader. We are looking for a lot of good things out of Coombes this year, he is one player we know can play at the next level. He will be one of our showcase players you might say. He will be one of the players to watch come April.”

Martin and Richard Galvan – Twin brothers who have been a part of the organization since it’s start in 2006, the last two players from the original roster in 2006 when the team opened up in the Antelope Valley and the Lancaster Rattlers playing in the United Soccer Leagues. “Seems like a long time ago,” said Gerald Brunner, CEO of the parent corporation United Sports International Inc.

“These two players have been a part of us since the beginning. A lot of players have come and gone since then,” Brunner said. “Last year we have three remaining players from the start. But with my son Zach who stood between the pipes as starting keeper for five years has moved to Georgia this year and leaves the Galvans as the last players from 2006.”

Richard and Martin Galvan

Richard and Martin Galvan are a midfielder and forward, respectively, and have been playing together their whole lives, which makes for a one-two combination that really works. All though they work best together, as individuals they have styles all there own. “The Galvin brothers have been two of the most consistent performers for FCSC…able to play in any position, their versatility has become depended on throughout the sons. the season.” said Coach Cline. Richard is more of a play maker and has his talents show most when he is controlling the ball and to giving it to an attacking player approaching. Richard is no stranger to the scoring either, when it is time he takes his opportunities, scoring a game winner against the Ogdon Outlaws last year in injury time. With Richard’s leadership characteristics & positive attitude, he continues to prove to be asset to the team.

Where Richard is a play maker, Martin is the player to finish. Martin plays mainly as forward & has a knack for knowing where the net is and when to put the ball in it. Martin, who scored both goals that counted and one that didn’t in the International game with Chivas Guadalajara U-20 on Dec. 11, 2011, is a true forward who is one for getting himself in the right position at the right time. The two brothers could be the combination the team needs this year.

About United Sports International inc./Futbol Club Santa Clarita Storm

It is the purpose and intent of United Sports International Incorporated to provide the highest level of professional soccer training, development and entertainment for the young players and loyal fans of the Santa Clarita Valley. Our aim is to be a leading soccer organization for advancement of young players in the Santa Clarita. It is also our intent to bring together community spirit through teamwork, while bringing the opportunity to participate in the game of soccer at the professional level. We are committed to excellence and adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct in our relationship with the community; it’s businesses, organizations and residents. For more information, go to http://www.fcscprosoccer.com.