Three More Freshman Soccer Players Sign Letters of Intent
 Posted June 19, 2007
 Three more freshman soccer players, one from Canada and two from the Northeast U.S., have signed Letters of Intent to play men's soccer for the Scorpions this fall.

Seba Galluchi, a defender/midfielder from Ontario, Canada; Sal Ingravello, a midfielder/forward from New York, New York; and Mike O'Connell from Portland, Maine are the latest signees for the Scorpions. The signings brings to 22 the number of student-athletes who have signed Letters of Intent

"All three of the players are quality young players," Scorpion men's soccer coach Dan Balaguero said. "They are all very good athletes which is an essential component in modern day college soccer.  I expect them all to have wonderful careers here, both open the soccer field and in the classroom. The three of them have also been involved with premier club teams throughout their careers."

 

The players will report for the start of Scorpion men's soccer practice in early August. The Scorpions begin play Thursday, August 23, against Instituto Technologico Superiores de Poza Rica.

Seba Galluchi (Defender/Midfielder)

"Seba is a no-nonsense defensive minded player," Balaguero said. "He is a versatile player who can play anywhere across the back or in the midfield. He has been involved with good club teams throughout his career, so he has been well coached. I expect him to make an immediate impact."

Galluchi is a four-year letter winner at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in Ontario. He comes from a good soccer family older brother Gabriel was a standout at  Central Arkansas and brother Christian a rock solid defender at Virginia Intermont College.

"I am looking forward to playing at UTB/TSC," Galluchi said. "I am very excited to work with the coaching staff, and I can't wait to meet the team. I know I am one of the youngest guys coming on board but I will always give 100 percent in every game and I hope everyone is up for the challenge of winning our division and going to the Nationals."
 

Sal Ingravello (Midfielder/Forward)

"Sal is a big strong technical offensive minded player, equally as comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or striker," Balaguero said. "He has a tremendous passion for the game, a deadly finisher who can also supply the killer final pass.  He has been brought up with soccer with his Italian-American roots, he grew up playing for the well established Brooklyn Italians soccer club in New York City."

Ingravello is a four-year letter winner at Moore Catholic High School in New York.

"I am looking forward to playing at UTB/TSC," Ingravello said. "I am very excited to work with the great coaching staff, and I can't wait to play with the team. This will be a great experience to continue with my football and also with my education. I will always give 100 percent in every game and I hope everyone is up for the challenge of bringing a national championship to Brownsville."

Mike O'Connell (Defender)

"Mike is a very athletic competitor who will add toughness to our lineup," Balaguero said. "Due to his athleticism Mike can operate in numerous positions.  I expect him to compete for a spot in the back, he is a very focused and driven young man  who will be a popular member of the squad."

O'Connell was a four-year letter winner at Yarmouth High School in Portland, Maine. He was a member of the Coastal club team in Portland which won the Maine state championship for the seventh straight year.

"I first met Coach Balaguero in Maine last summer and was instantly taken with his coaching abilities, knowledge and talent," O'Connell said. "I know that he will be pivotal in bringing the team together and leading us to a lot of success in the coming years. I think we have the opportunity to do something big for the school and the community with this new program. I grew up in a town where soccer was our number one sport. I'm also excited about moving to Texas from Maine. I think the new location, climate and culture will be a great part of the experience."