FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Evan O’Kelly Director of Communications O: (406) 657-2130 E: evan.okelly@msubillings.edu Wednesday, November 16, 2016 Thode, Phillips to join Yellowjacket men’s soccer team next season
Introducing the first two recruits for the 2017-18 season, MSUB men’s soccer head coach Alex Balog announces the signing of Christian Thode and Sam Phillips. BILLINGS, Mont. – Two transfers will join the Montana State University Billings men’s soccer team for next season, as Christian Thode of Stanwood, Wash., and Sam Phillips of Bozeman were announced as the newest Yellowjackets on Wednesday. Thode will join the program after two years at Skagit Valley College, while Phillips attended Humboldt State University for the last two seasons. Totaling six goals and four assists in his two seasons with the Cardinals, Thode helped the team to the NWAC Final Four as a freshman in 2014. He followed with four goals and three assists as a sophomore in 2015. Prior to his collegiate career, Thode earned four letters as a midfielder at Archbishop Murphy High School under head coach Mike Bartley. He was a first-team all-state selection, and was a three-time all-Cascade Conference pick as a prep
player. After leading his team in goals and assists as a senior, Thode was picked as the Archbishop Murphy Offensive Player of the Year. “Christian’s versatility in the midfield is something we were looking for,” said MSUB head coach Alex Balog. “He comes from a very solid soccer background and made a great impression while on his visit. His ability on the ball is something we’ll be able to use at the 6, 8, and 10 positions.” “I chose MSUB because I could see myself having a successful career on and off the soccer field,” said Thode, a business major. “The school offered the exact major I was interested in, and gives me the opportunity to further my soccer career. I’m looking forward to being part of a successful program.” Phillips competed in soccer at Bozeman High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner under head coach Hunter Terry. He helped the team to a perfect 15-0 record in his senior season, as a team captain who led the squad to a state title. Phillips earned all-state honors as both a junior and senior as an outside forward and attacking midfielder. “Sam is a player we have been following for a long time, since his high-school career at Bozeman,” Balog said. “He is now coming home after a stint at Humboldt State, and we very much look forward to having him in our program. Sam’s technical abilities are a good match with our style of play. Having a quality Montana player come back is another sign we are on the right track.” “I chose MSUB because it is a great program that plays the kind of soccer I am proud to be a part of,” said Phillips. “It is a talented group of players and coaches, and is a very unified team. It is also close to home, which is always nice.” Thode and Phillips are the first two players to sign letters of intent to join the ‘Jackets next season. MSUB finished the 2016 fall year with a record of 9-6-3, and went 5-4-2 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference to claim fourth place.
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