Valparaiso men’s soccer head coach Mike Avery and his staff announced Friday that Matthew Gweh will join the Crusaders this fall.  Gweh comes to Valpo from High Point, where he led the Panthers in assists per minute played and assists by a freshman in 2013.

Born and raised in Liberia, Matt starred as a three-year letter winner for Eastview H.S. in Apple Valley, Minn. prior to his year at High Point.  In his junior season at Eastview, Matt tallied 28 goals and eight assists, earning Minnesota State Gatorade Player of the Year honors, as well as NSCAA All-American accolades.  Matt joined the Minnesota Thunder of the US Soccer Development Academy, where he netted 10 goals and had two assists during the 2012-13 season.

Full name:  Matthew Gweh

Hometown:  Apple Valley, Minnesota

Position:  M/F

Height:  5’6”

Weight:  155 lbs.

Previous School:  High Point University/Eastview High School

Club Team:  Minnesota Thunder Academy

Avery on Gweh: “We are very excited to add Matt as the final piece of this recruiting class.  Matt is a talented attacking player and has the versatility to play up top, underneath the high striker, or in one of the wide positions.  Matt is very powerfully built, with a low center of gravity and great close control, so it is very difficult to take the ball from him.  He's a quality finisher, and plays good passes, so we believe he can be a dangerous addition to our attacking group.”

“Most importantly – and as is the case with all of our recruits – Matt is a tremendous fit for Valparaiso as a young man with great character and one who has his priorities straight.  Soccer is important to Matt, but he also understands the value of his education.  He's a tremendous student, a good player, and a really good guy – Matt was an easy decision for us and we are thrilled to have him on board.”