Former Goalkeeper, Paterson, Signs With Missouri Comets

WIU men's soccer alum, Stephen Paterson signed a one-year contract with the MASL team Wendesday (Jan. 14).

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - Former Western Illinois men's soccer goalkeeper Stephen Paterson (2006-09) has officially signed a one-year contract with the Missouri Comets of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), the team announced Wednesday, January 14.

Paterson will be added to team's roster immediately and is set to make his debut in goal this Friday (Jan. 16) for the team's week 14 matchup against the St. Louis Ambush at the Independence Events Center in Independence, Missouri.

The Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada native's signing comes after a total of seven seasons playing for the Thunder Bay Chill of the Premier Developmental League of the United Soccer League (PDL), and four months of training with The Comets over the course of the season.

"I am extremely excited to see Stephen get this opportunity," said Western men's soccer head coach Dr. Eric Johnson. "He was a great player for Western Illinois and should be a very successful keeper for The Comets. He has a great set of skills, and his technical footwork will serve him well playing indoors."

As a Leatherneck under coach Johnson, Paterson played four years and led the Fighting Leathernecks to two Summit League Tournament titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2006 and 2009. He was named the 2006 Summit League 'Defensive Player of the Year' and the 2009 Summit League Tournament MVP.

In addition to his numerous Summit League and team accolades, Paterson still holds the school records for career goals against average (1.00), wins (35), shutouts (23), minutes in goal (6136:27), and season records for goals against average (.76) and wins (15).

Other notable Purple and Gold men's soccer alums who have signed professional contracts in the past include: Dave Dir ('81, NASL), Kosuke Kimura ('06, MLS), and Oskar Gasecki ('10, Bundesliga) along with many others. Recent WIU graduate Charlie Bales, and senior Yves Dietrich are also training as prospects for the professional ranks.

Some information and facts were provided courtesy of Daniel Moreno and the Missouri Comets. A full release from the Comets on Paterson's signing can be found HERE.

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#1 Yves Dietrich: GK; 6' 1"; Senior; UW-Whitewater

#2 Charlie Bales: D; 5' 8"; Senior; Xavier

Players Mentioned

#1 Yves Dietrich
: 6' 1"; Senior; UW-Whitewater
: GK

#2 Charlie Bales
: 5' 8"; Senior; Xavier
: D

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Players Mentioned

#1 Yves Dietrich

#2 Charlie Bales

Players Mentioned

#1 Yves Dietrich

#2 Charlie Bales