Men’s Soccer Lands Clemson Transfer Shutter

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer men’s soccer team announced the addition of sophomore defender Josh Shutter to the squad on Thursday morning according to head coach Brad Ruzzo.

Shutter comes to Mercer from Atlantic Coast Conference power Clemson University, where he started 10 of 16 games for the Tigers last season. Shutter was released from his scholarship, meaning that he does not have to sit out a year, in accordance to the NCAA transfer rules, and is eligible to play for the Bears in 2010.

“We are excited to be able to add a player of Josh’s caliber to our roster next fall,” head coach Brad Ruzzo said. “Certainly Josh gained valuable experience playing in the ACC against some of the top players in the country last season and I believe that experience will be very beneficial for our backline. He has the size and athleticism to defend high quality players and will fit into our defensive scheme nicely moving into next season.”

The Sinking Spring, Pa. native tallied two assists from his back line position, while contributing to a Clemson defensive unit that allowed only 25 goals in 2009.  

Shutter played alongside current Bear defender Joey Heavner at the 2008 Disney Soccer Showcase for the PA Classics club team of the USSF Development Academy.

A star at Wilson High School, Shutter was a three-time All-Berks County selection and was named All-State, All-Region and Berks County Player of the Year as a senior.

Shutter and the rest of the Bears begin training for their 2010 season when all players set to report for preseason on August 15.