Conway – Fresh off a 2018 season that saw his team earn its second Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Title and its first MVC regular season title, men's soccer head coach Ross Duncan has announced the addition of six players to his roster for the upcoming 2019 season.
"Coach Henry and Coach Taphorn have really helped put together a strong incoming group," said Duncan. "We've got a great balance of attacking and defensive guys and have managed to fill some important spots. It took a lot of tireless work from the two of them to make this all happen."
Mats Risto Kippe comes to Conway from Levanger, Norway, where he played for Levanger FK. Kippe has twice been named the Most Improved Player on the club (2016, 2017).
"At the center back position, Mats will offer great experience and quality on the ball," said Duncan. "He's very good in the air and composed when playing out of the back. With the level he's playing at in Norway, the transition to Division I will not be a problem."
Rowan Laufer, from Lawrence, Kansas, joins the Bears from Lawrence Free State High School in Lawrence, Kansas. The younger brother of current Central Arkansas defender, Will, Rowan has spent time with the Sporting KC Development Academy as well as leading LFSHS to an 8-7-2 record this past season.
"With Rowan we are getting a player tested at the highest levels of US Youth Soccer," said Duncan. "He's a true box-to-box midfielder with enough athleticism to make an immediate impact at the college level. He's also got some great quality on the ball and can chip in with a goal when needed."
Masood Porsa, from Plano, Texas, will make the journey to Central Arkansas after playing at Plano East High School and for the Dallas Texans Developmental Academy. Masood is a member of the National Honor Society.
"I am excited about what Masood can bring to our program," said Duncan. "He's got pace, is great in one-on-one situations on both sides of the ball, and his service is excellent. He can play a number of positions, but will most likely be challenging for time at the outside back position."
Conner Carraher, from Dallas, Texas, plays club for Solar SC U19, where he won a Texas State Championship in 2016. He has made quarterfinal (2017) and semifinal (2015) appearances in the Dallas Cup, as well as winning the Disney Cup in 2016. A member of the Olympic Development Program, Connor is a four-time Academic Excellence Award winner and a member of the National Honor Society.
"Conner ha really impressed us throughout the recruiting process," said Duncan. "We've seen him play a number of different positions and he seems to thrive wherever he's put. He is strong, determined, and has a great mentality. He's very good on the ball and is comfortable with either foot."
Heike Lie Konradsen will also join the Bears from Levanger, Norway, where he plays for Levanger FK. He was the club's top scorer at the U16 level, as well as leading the squad in assists.
"Heike will make an immediate impact on our attack," said Duncan. "He's got pace and athleticism to offer from the wing position. He's got goals and assists in him and will allow us to threaten teams even more than we already do."
Rounding out the class is Arturo Chairez, who comes to Central Arkansas after spending two seasons at Otero Junior College. During his time at OJC, he helped lead the Rattlers to a record of 17-14-3. As a freshman in 2017, he scored four goals and had five assists in 17 games played, and he replicated those numbers in 15 games as a sophomore. He earned Region IX Freshman of the Year and All-Region Second Team honors in 2017, while picking up an All-Region First Team nod in 2018.
"Arturo is very smooth on the ball and is a true lefty," said Duncan. "His service is excellent from the wing, but he can also cut inside and cause problems centrally. He is a proven goal-scorer and what he does on the ball will fit perfectly into our system."
