University of South Carolina Upstate

2008: Saw limited action after suffering aseries of season-ending injuries in the Furman game on Sept. 21...had made it on the pitch for the first time on the year againstWofford on Sept. 19... took a kick to the face against Furman andsuffered broken bones in his face which required reconstructivesurgery... also suffered a serious concussion in the accident...finished the year playing in just two games, starting once.

High School/Club: Was an exchange studentat Irmo High School from 2003-04... an all-region selection...helped lead Irmo to the No. 1 seed in the lower state... led theteam to the 2004 4A state championship... finished his high schoolcareer in his native Germany at Berufskolleg Gelderu.

Major: Business Management.

Personal: Born on Nov. 8, 1985 in Gelderu,Germany... son of Josef and Anke Soppa... has an older brother...likes soccer, talking to family and friends in Germany and cooking.

Favorites: Food - Schnitzel, Movie -Ballerman 6, TV Show - Bundesliga Soccer; Season - Summer; PeopleYou Admire Most - My Parents... Quote - "Don''t dream your life,live your dreams."