BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Jul. 2, 2015) - LIU Post Head Men's Soccer Coach Andreas Lindberg announced Thursday the addition of six new student-athletes, set to join the Pioneers in the 2015 campaign.

Lindberg's squad posted the program's best-ever finish in 2014, having captured the NCAA Division II East Region Championship with a 2-0 win at Merrimack. The green and gold also rallied in the final 1:04 of regulation to stun then-No. 6 and defending national champion Southern New Hampshire in penalty kicks during their postseason run.

Justin Cebollero was a two-time League 1 Most Valuable Player at Commack High School. In addition to tallying 17 goals and 10 assists in his senior year, Cebollero was named an All-American and the Suffolk County Big School Most Valuable Player, as well. Furthermore, he captained Commack to a New York State Championship in 2014.

"Justin is a high school All-American that can play at many positions," Lindberg said. "He brings a lot of passion and determination to the Pioneers, and we are excited to see how he can help us on defense. Justin's competitive spirit and physical play is exactly what we are looking for in defenders."

James Hayes spent three seasons as the starting center midfielder at Mattituck High School. He garnered All-County recognition and helped the Tuckers to a New York State Class B Championship as a senior. Additionally, Hayes was a two-year team captain at Mattituck.

"James is a very intelligent player with a great soccer IQ," commented Lindberg. "He has been the best midfielder at Mattituck High School for years and has played high level club soccer for ISA Middle Country and the Dix Hills Heat. Once James gets accustomed to the speed of play and physicality of the college game, we are expecting big things from him. James keeps it simple and distributes the ball well, which makes him a perfect fit for the way we play."

Paul Hayes, the twin brother of James, shared the center midfield role with his sibling for three years at Mattituck. He was dubbed the League 8 Most Valuable Player in 2014, while also receiving All-County and All-State honors.

"Paul is a great leader and, like his brother, was a two-year team captain at Mattituck High School," stated Lindberg. "Paul reads the game very well, is good in the air and makes very few mistakes, which is important as a centerback. He likes to play the ball through the midfield and should be able to learn our system quickly. We are looking forward to see what Paul can do and how he can develop playing alongside older and more experienced players."

Esteban Valverde was a two-time All-County and All-League selection at East Hampton High School, where he assisted the Bonackers in capturing three-consecutive Suffolk County Class A titles (2012, 2013 & 2014). Plus, Valverde scored a goal in each of East Hampton's matches in its runner-up finish at the 2014 New York State Class A Tournament.

A member of the Pioneers' indoor and outdoor track and field teams in 2014-15, Toby Ilomuanya came to LIU Post from Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie. While there, he was a Hudson Valley Athletic League and Western New England Prep School Soccer Association All-Star.

"Toby is a fast and powerful forward that can score goals," said Lindberg. "He will compete for minutes this coming season and the coaching staff is excited to see how he can develop into a good college player."

Lastly, Brian McPartland, a transfer from Division I Hofstra University, put together an impressive resume as the starting goalkeeper at Hicksville High School. He compiled a career record of 59-7-5, while setting school records for victories, saves (597) and shutouts (38). In his senior year alone, McPartland claimed All-State, All-Long Island, All-County, All-Region and All-Conference accolades. Moreover, he earned the nod as the Nassau County Class A Conference I Player of the Year.

Lindberg and the 2015 Pioneers will open the new season on Thursday, Sept. 3, when they face local rival Adelphi University in the Adelphi Alumni Invitational at Motamed Field in Garden City. The opening kick is slated for 7:30 p.m.