George Burne, Alexandre Leao and Harry Solomons have committed to join the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) men’s soccer program as a part of the 2013 recruiting class, head coach Helio D’Anna recently announced. Along with the Railsplitters’ three additions announced this past week (Nick Boegemann, Zach Jacobsen and Asain Igulu), these three individuals are set to join a Railsplitters’ team that finished 13-4-1 overall and 6-3-0 in the South Atlantic Conference, advancing all the way to the championship match of the 2012 Food Lion SAC Tournament.

George Burne comes to the Railsplitters by way of Carlisle, United Kingdom and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. Listed as a 6’2” forward, Burne was also a member of the Wetheriggs Football Club. Throughout his soccer career, Burne has presented himself as a vastly talented competitor, as he played for his county team (Cumbria) for two years and competed as an English Schools Football Association (ESFA) National Team Trialist in 2011 and 2012. During his stay at Lincoln Memorial, Burne plans on majoring in environmental sciences and marketing. He is the son of Andrew and Jacqueline Burne.

Regarding George Burne, Lincoln Memorial head men’s soccer coach Helio D’Anna stated, “George is a typical center forward/target man. He is powerful, great in the air, and does an excellent job on wall passes and playing with his back to goal. He has a sweet left foot and finishes very well. He will fit perfectly in our system of play.”

Alexandre Leao has also decided to continue his soccer career at Lincoln Memorial next season, and he will be joining the Railsplitters by way of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. Leao, a 6’0” midfielder, competed for the Botafogo Football Club and COC High School. He plans on pursuing a degree in business during his stay at LMU. He is the son of Alexandre and Juliana Leao.

Regarding Alexandre Leao, coach D’Anna stated, “Alexandre is the typical skilled midfielder that LMU has had the tradition to attract. He is athletic, fast, crafty and can play a number of positions. He also is very aggressive defensively which is a must when playing the top SAC schools.”

Harry Solomons is set to join the Railsplitters as a part of the 2013 recruiting class as well, and he heads to Lincoln Memorial from Leicester, England. Solomons, a 5’8” left winger/full back, competed for Hinckley United Football Club and attended Beauchamp, where he will receive a degree this spring. Solomons will bring loads of experience to the Railsplitters, as he played on the county (academy system for Derby County) and national level. He is also ranked in the top 30 for his age group in the entire UK for the 100-Meter Sprint. Solomon plans on pursuing a degree in business. He is the son of Ian Solomons and Pamela Billson.

Regarding Harry Solomons, coach D’Anna stated, “Harry is lightning quick and extremely technical. He is a constant threat offensively but does well defensively too. He is a box to box player and has great touch.”

Spring training is well underway for the Lincoln Memorial men’s soccer program, as they are aimed at making another run at the South Atlantic Conference Championship. The 2013 season kicks off on September 5 with a trip to Montevallo, Ala., to duel Eckerd College.