The Eastern men’s soccer team added depth to its midfield by signing three additional recruits to National Letters of Intent.

The Panthers signed three midfielders: Phil Clemmer (Peoria/Richwoods), Dustin Weiher (Bartlett/Bartlett), and Michael Rizzo (Rockford/Boylan).

Clemmer, an all-state and All-Midwest Player, was named Journal Star Player of the year last season. He was also awarded with All-Mid State Six Conference player honors three times and was involved with the Illinois Olympic Development Program.

Head coach Adam Howarth said he feels Clemmer can be used almost anywhere on the field.

“(Clemmer) is a very versatile player,” Howarth said. “We can use him at forward and put him in the back if need be. Plus he’s a pretty big kid which can cause problems for a defense.”

Weiher brings national experience which could be helpful to the Panthers. In 1999 he chose to skip out on high school play to join the Chicago Sockers club Under-16 team. He helped the team win the Illinois State Cup, Midwest Regional, and also the National Championship. Weiher also received All-Midwest recognition last year at Bartlett.

Howarth said he hopes that Clemmer’s national experience can contribute to the Panthers’ attack.

“He’s the type of player that can get other players involved n the game,” Howarth said.

A junior college All-American at the College of DuPage, Rizzo should bring another element to Eastern’s offense. Rizzo led the nation with 25 assists for DuPage last fall. In high school he helped lead Boylan to a state runner-up finish in 1999. He was also named to the Illinois High School Association all-state team two times.

“(Rizzo) has a lot of experience which can help the team,” Howarth said. “Hopefully he can be able to create some support for our forwards.”

Howarth hopes the three can provide support immediately.

“Any time we bring in kids we hope that they can contribute right away,” Howarth said. Howarth added that the return of several players will also add to any success the Panthers have next season.

Eastern will look to improve on last season’s 6-10 overall record and 2-7 record in the Missouri Valley Conference.