(Editor’s note: Carroll College media release)
HELENA — Carroll College men’s soccer coach Doug Mello announced the latest addition of his 2019 recruiting class, Birgir Gauti Stefánsson of Gardabaer, Iceland.
“We’re looking at Birgir as the final piece of the puzzle for a new and improved squad,” Saints coach Doug Mello said. “He’s a box-to-box midfielder with deft touch on the ball. He has a knack for finding the open man. We’re going to encourage him to use his powerful shot as much as possible.”
Stefánsson competed in the top Icelandic league. Iceland continues to rise in international rankings, qualifying as a nation to compete in both the European Cup and the World Cup.
“Iceland is world renown for their development of youth players,” Mello said. “Birgir had opportunities to play Division I and chose Carroll for the bond we developed in the recruiting process and our high overall academics.”
The 6-foot-3 attacking midfielder comes to Carroll College after prepping at Fjölbrautaskólinn í Garðabæ. He was selected Icelandic U16 national team. He was recognized as the most improved player during the 2016-17 season. A season later, he earned team MVP honors. He played with Iceland’s national team during the Reykjavík Cup against Norwitch City F.C.’s professional U16 team.
“We look for leadership and a tried and true hardworking style of play,” Mello said. “Overall, be brings a veteran approach to the game.”
He’s played club ball for Stjarnan for the past seven years. The club ran its offense through the midfield, something Stefánsson could bring to the Saints’ offense next season.
He plans to study computer science while at Carroll College.
His father, Stefán Gíslason, is a retired professional soccer player.
Stefánsson becomes the 10th signee in Mello’s 2019 recruiting class. It’s a talented haul that bodes well for the 2019 season. The Saints will be looking to take another step forward and advance even deeper into the Cascade Collegiate Conference tournament and beyond.
2019 Men’s Soccer Recruiting Class
Birgir Gauti Stefánsson, 6-3 midfielder, Gardabaer, Iceland
Rory Bloy, 6-4 striker, Johannesburg, South Africa
Jeronimo Lago Huerta, 5-7 midfielder, Buenos Aries, Argentina
Melle de Reuver, 6-3 goalkeeper, Hilversum, Holland
Keegan Lyons, 6-3 center back, Encinitas, California,
Javier Rodriguez, 5-8 right back, Madrid, Spain,
Robin Erickson, 6-1 striker, Polson, Montana
Jack Bentson, 6-0 forward, Bozeman, Montana
David Macy, 6-0 outside back, Vicenza, Italy
Brayden Reid, 6-1 midfielder, Sandy, Utah
