February 26, 1999

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Andreas Forstner (Gernlinden, Germany), a 5-10, 165-lb defender has signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Notre Dame and play men’s soccer for the Irish.

Forstner becomes the fourth men’s soccer recruit to sign with the Irish and will join defender Justin Ratcliffe (Miami, Fla.), goalkeeper Greg Tait (Fayetteville, N.Y), midfielder Paul Rodriguez (San Antonio, Tex.) as members of the Notre Dame’s Class of 2003.

One of the best players in Bavaria, Forstner graduated from Olching Gymnasium. He is in his first season as a member of S.V. Lohhof, one of the top Bavarian club teams, and currently is that squad’s starting sweeper back. The team, presently has a 15-2-2 record and has allowed just 11 goals, while recording eight shutouts. S.V. Lohhof is in first-place in the league standings and is contention to capture the Bavarian championship.

Forstner played on the Furstenfeldbruck Youth Team for six years. During his tenure, he helped that team capture two Bavarian championship titles. Last year, Forstner represented Bavaria at the National Team trials.

“I’m very excited about the addition of Andy to our 1999 recruiting class” Notre Dame head coach Mike Berticelli says. “He will bring a great deal of maturity and experience to our team. He is a very versatile player with great vision and tactical awareness. He is a great compliment to the other players we have coming in this fall.”