Even though Point Park University’s men’s soccer team is graduating only one senior, midfielder Adelmo Palaza, next season has limitless potential which can be exploited by recruiting to fill any gaps.  This is something that fourth-season Head Coach Jeroen Walstra is experienced with and on Feb. 4 he signed his first recruit, José Vaccarello.”He’s an interesting guy,” Walstra said.Vaccarello, a Venezuela native was noticed by Walstra at a Pittsburgh Riverhounds United Soccer League Second Division tryout.  Walstra, also an assistant coach for the Riverhounds, began talking to Vaccarello after he did not make the team and realized that Vaccarello had never been to college. Walstra saw that Vaccarello could help shore up Point Park’s defense but would also be able to continue his education, transferring from the Community College of Allegheny County where he took classes, and perfect his soccer abilities.”I’ve never been enrolled in a university.  I have no idea what is going to happen,” said Vaccarello about looking forward to the fall at Point Park in a phone interview.  He continued, “But as for soccer I am expecting to win.”Six freshmen joined the Pioneers last year, including freshman Austrian forward Manuel Schneckenreither.  Schneckenreither scored 11 goals and two assists in Point Park’s 17 games in the last season, which ended in a the team ended their season with a record of 8-9.  This was a major improvement from the 2009 season when the team was 1-15-1.”Recruits last year were an infusion of talent, international and American,” said Point Park Director of Athletic Communications Kevin Taylor in a phone interview.Recruiting process is an ongoing process for Walstra, who said he has narrowed his prospects for next season from his initial estimate of hundreds to about forty players.”It’s impossible to manage hundreds,” Walstra said.Walstra locates quality players in two ways. He obseves athletes who show an interest in attending Point Park University and whom he sees playing in tournaments and showcases. E also accepts referrals from other coaches. Walstra’s finds are usually from Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey.International players are also recruited because they can make the recruiting process more efficient.”They do some recruiting for you.  They talk to friends who want to play,” Taylor said. For example, sophomore midfielder Alex Sala knew freshman Manuel Schneckenreither from Austria and was instrumental in convincing him to play at Point Park.  While the potential for another player to be recruited from current international players’ referrals is great, there are currently no Austrian players signed for the 2011 season. “Recruiting takes time. Every recruit takes time,” Walstra said. “It’s talking to them, e-mails … asking for transcripts.  There is a lot of paperwork involved.”As Walstra continues to look for athletes who can add talent to the team, negotiations with potential players continue to develop. Recruits seek an education, financial compensation and the opportunity to play soccer at the college level, while Walstra desires talent and a successful team in the future.”I think we are going to be good,” Walstra said of his hopes for next season.With the recruiting season in full swing, the potential for the Pioneers to sign talented players who could improve the team in 2011 is endless.”[I am] very confident we will pick up another two or three very good players,” Walstra said.