WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Acadia University men's soccer team head coach Amit Batra announced the commitment of two Atlantic Canadian recruits.

Marcus Paterson, a six-foot defender from Paradise, NL joins the Axemen this fall after a successful final season with the Mount Pearl Senior High Huskies, the Paradise Soccer Club, and the U17 Newfoundland Provincial program.

"Marcus has consistently been a member of the Newfoundland provincial program and was a key member of their Canada Games squad in 2022. I've had the chance to watch him play for his province several times and he is versatile across the back line. No matter where he plays, he brings a tough style and is willing to put his body on the line for his teammates. It will be exciting to add his work rate, positivity, and dedication to the team," said Batra.

Paterson has a long list of accolades and experience to add to the Acadia program. Named team MVP and captain for his Paradise Soccer club teams for five consecutive years, Paterson helped lead his to club team to the 2022 Canada Soccer U17 Toyota national championships in Surrey, B.C. where he received the tournament's Fair Play award. Paterson gained further experience at the national level as a member of the Newfoundland Whitecaps Prospect Program, travelling to Vancouver for two separate training combines.

"I feel that attending Acadia University will not only provide me with a top-quality education, but also provide an experience that will last a lifetime. Enrolled in the Bachelor of Community Development program, I look forward to building relationships and making connections within the classroom as well as outside the classroom," Paterson explained when asked why Acadia.

"Acadia Soccer offers the type of Team Culture and environment that I want to be a part of, and I can't wait to begin my university soccer career. I am excited to be a part of the Axemen Soccer Program and tight knit Acadia Community."

Fellow defender Caden Facey from Halifax, N.S. will also join the Axemen. A graduate of Charles P. Allen High School, who helped lead his high school team to two championship titles, Facey's commitment to Acadia brings added defensive strength and experience to the team.

"Caden brings an ability to read the game and composure along with versatility. He's been a long-time member of Nova Scotia's provincial program and has developed into a good passer of the ball, can be crafty, and does not panic and will bring a calm presence that will help us with possession style that we prefer. He's a great student and will be a great addition to our team in the locker room and on the field in every sense," said Batra.

Facey was a key member of the Nova Scotia Provincial team from U14 to U17 and was also named to the Nova Scotia Vancouver Whitecaps U17 training program.  A perennial leader, Facey was a team captain of his Halifax County United club teams and now plays with the Suburban Football Club.

Facey will enter his first year of the Bachelor of Applied Science – Engineering program this fall.

"I chose Acadia because it has such a beautiful campus in an even more beautiful town. After meeting the coaches and the team, I knew for sure this would be the right place for me. I cannot wait to see what my future holds for me at Acadia," said Facey.

The Axemen's 2023 regular season begins at home on Friday, September 1 at 7:15 pm versus the visiting Saint Mary's Huskies.