Matthew McCarthy, of Miramichi, NB, is used to competing against the Tommies, but in the fall he'll be joining them.

The Miramichi Valley High School Pulamoo product has committed to the St. Thomas University Tommies men's soccer team for the 2016-17 season.

Despite MVHS's rivalry with the cross-river James M. Hill High School Tommies, McCarthy said he's always had an interest in being a Tommie at STU.

"I've heard great things about this school from friends and have been told about the quality education STU provides, and ultimately, I've always had an interest in going there," he said. "Once soccer was added to the equation I couldn't say no."

Tommies head coach John-Ryan Morrison said McCarthy was one of the first names on his recruiting list.

"We have been keeping a close eye on him," he said. "We're excited he chose STU over some of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport schools that were chasing him, so in turn we're expecting big things from him."

A talented striker, McCarthy has competed with Team New Brunswick for four years and has collected three most valuable player awards from the MVHS Pulamoo, who play in the 'AAA' division of the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association.

He's hoping his experience and knowledge of the game will be a benefit to the young Tommies team.

"I'm hoping to bring some pace and hunger to the attacking line, along with drive, competitiveness, and an overall winning mentality," he said. "I'm looking forward to facing new challenges at STU."

Morrison is confident McCarthy will bring all those qualities to the team, but more importantly he believes the Miramichi native will buy into what the Tommies are about—on and off the field.

"I think Matthew is going to fit in great with the squad. He's already been a teammate on Team NB with some of our recruits," he said. "Off the field, all of my trusted coaching colleagues spoke highly of him as a person as well, so I'm looking forward to seeing him wear the green and gold."

The Tommies have brought in three other recruits to date—Alex Soulet of New Hampshire, John Hunter, of Fredericton, and Kyle Yearwood, of Barbados. So far they've all identified winning an Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association championship as one of their goals, and McCarthy is no exception.

"My short-term goal is to win a championship and represent St. Thomas University at nationals," he said. "My long-term goal is to be a decisive player for STU men's soccer and to develop as an athlete."