Scorpion Men's Soccer Team Signs First Two Recruits for 2008 Season
Posted March 25, 2008

O.J. Mendoza (left) and Carlos Pehr at signing ceremony with Men's Soccer Coach Dan Balaguero (top)

The first two recruits for the 2008 UTB/TSC men's soccer team have signed Red River Athletic Conference Letters of Intent to play for the Scorpions this fall.

Omar Mendoza Jr. and Carlos Manuel Pehr, both from Woodburn High School in Woodburn, Oregon, visited the UTB/TSC campus and signed a commitment to attend UTB/TSC.

"Both of the players come from a good soccer background, having played for the Oregon state teams and premier club teams in Oregon," Scorpion head men's soccer coach Dan Balaguero said. "Both players have family in the Valley so they are aware of the culture here, which should ease the transition of the move away from home."

Mendoza is a forward and midfielder who was a first team all-state selection in 2008. The Bulldogs were state quarterfinalists during Mendoza's senior year, when he scored 19 goals and had 17 assists. He was a first team all-conference selection in his senior and junior years. He also participated in the two club soccer teams in Oregon.

"O.J. is a player we have been tracking for a couple of years," Balaguero said. "He has good speed, has the ability to beat defenders and delivers quality service into the box with either foot."

Pehr is a versatile player who has played midfielder, forward and goalkeeper. He is transferring as a sophomore to UTB/TSC from George Fox University (Ore.) Pehr was an all-Northwest Conference second-team selection in 2007, when he led the team in goals. During his senior year at Woodburn, he scored 26 goals and was named first-team all-state among other honors. He has participated in two club soccer teams in Oregon.

"Carlos is a tremendous athlete who will compete for a stop as forward," Balaguero said. "He has scored goals everywhere he has been, we hope he continues this trend as a Scorpion."