NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware men’s soccer team has added five student-athletes for the 2009 season, head coach Ian Hennessy (at right) announced on Tuesday.

Announcing their intention to attend Delaware are: Brandon Paul (Flemington, N.J./St. Benedict’s Prep), Greg Malia (Northport, N.Y./St. Anthony’s), Ben Raymond (Scottsdale, Ariz./Sereno), Dylan Gerstenfield (Warminster, Pa./Vereinigung Ergebirge) and Justin Orton (West Chester, Pa./West Chester East).

Below are the profiles of the new Delaware recruits:

Brandon Paul: Paul is the second goalkeeper that hails from the New York Red Bull Academy, following in the footsteps of junior keeper Conrad Rusnak.
Coach Hennessy’s comments: “Brandon is a graduate of St. Benedict’s Prep, a school that turns out young men laden with character. Before coming to UD, I had a strong history of recruiting players from St. Benedict’s, such is the focus on character at the school. I have never been disappointed, and I expect that Brandon will be a super addition on and off the field.”

Greg Mallia: Mallia plays with BW Gottschee, which is a founding member of the USSF Development Academy.
Coach Hennessy’s comments: “Greg holds a very good perspective on the game, and is one of the better decision makers. He has enough composure to be an impact player at this level. We are delighted to have him.”

Ben Raymond: Raymond is a product of the much heralded Sereno organization out of Phoenix, Arizona.
Coach Hennessy’s comments: “We were fortunate to get Ben at the school, because we think he is one of the better attacking players from his position on the Western side of the country. Ben also attended the same high school as my assistant Bryan Vitagliano which was an instant connection, and we have been working to expand the appeal of UD in this part of the country.”

Dylan Gerstenfield: Gerstendfiled, from Warminster, Pa., played for one of the stronger non-Academy teams in the Region.
Coach Hennessy’s comments: “We are confident that Dylan can be a good addition to our back four from the start. Dylan has been down to see us play, so he is aware of what we are looking for to continue to build the program and how important his role is.”

Justin Orton: Justin is a West Chester native and was spotted by Coach Hennessy during the UD summer Camp for High School players
Coach Hennessy’s comments: “Justin was recommended to us by one of our alumni, Todd Lorback, and once we saw him at camp and got to know Justin, we could see why Todd was so high on him. He is a terrific lad and a great all around sportsman who excels at baseball and soccer. We are thrilled to have him in our program.”

The Blue Hens open the 2009 season in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. with a visit to Marist College to take on the Red Foxes on Sept. 1.