Soccer – Dunlap boys soccer player heading south – All-state Ferguson
JUSTIN PHELPS
Dunlap High School senior soccer player John Ferguson is expected to sign a national letter of intent Tuesday with Coastal Carolina.
Ferguson, an all-state midfielder who had 10 goals and 23 assists last fall, said location was a major factor in his decision.
“I kind of wanted to get out of Peoria,” said Ferguson, who also was considering Bradley. “It’s right on the beach and I like that atmosphere.”
Coastal Carolina’s agressive style also was attractive to Ferguson, a three-time Journal Star all-area team member and two- time all-stater.
“I like the style of play that Coastal uses. It’s different from Bradley’s, and I think I’ll fit in better there,” Ferguson said. “They’re a little more attacking-minded and finesse. That’s what I enjoy doing on the field.”
In Coastal Carolina, Ferguson joins a club that finished 20-3-0 and advanced to the third round of the NCAA men’s soccer tournament. The Division I school in Conway, S.C., had three seniors on a team that was ranked 10th in the final NSCAA Top 25 poll.
“In the back of my mind I wanted to go somewhere that had a reputation for being good,” Ferguson said.
Coastal Carolina had 16 freshmen and sophomores on its club last fall and announced 12 signees in early February. But Coastal Carolina coach Shaun Docking told Ferguson positions are open.
“He told me I had a chance as a freshman,” Ferguson said. “I’m hoping to play central (midfielder), but I’m just trying to earn a spot on the field. I don’t care where I play.”
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