Swearengen Brothers Sign on with Soccer Jaguars

UNIVERSITY PARK, IL — If you're seeing double on the pitch this fall, don't adjust your vision as the Governors State men's soccer team has signed identical twins Dylan and Dawson Swearengen to National Letters of Intent for the 2019 campaign. They are the sons of Beth and Paul Swearengen.

Hailing from Wilmington, Illinois, the Swearengens have played together since they can remember and will continue the family tradition for another two years wearing the Orange and Black.

Both players were four-year captains at Wilmington High School before moving on to two-year careers (as captains again) at Kankakee Community College. Finding it difficult to tell the two apart? No problem, they play at opposite ends of the field.

Dylan, the younger sibling by seven minutes, netted 10 goals and a team-best 24 points while starting 18 of 19 games last year for KCC. As a freshman forward he led the Cavaliers with 11 goals and 24 points in 20 starts.

Dawson, who roamed on defense and midfield, started all 39 games at KCC, totaling three goals and 10 assists for 16 points. He will be used as a defender in GSU's system. This past season the brothers earned NJCAA Region IV First Team All-Region honors.

So how does it feel to play alongside someone for 14 years?

"We always know where we are on the field, it's pretty awesome," said Dawson. "It's been great to always have someone to practice and work out with," added Dylan.

GSU Head Coach Matt Eggert hopes that kind of chemistry will help a first-year squad finding its way. He says the brothers process unique skill sets:

"Dylan is a speedy threat capable of stretching the field. He's a great finisher with a knack for getting behind defenders. Dawson's a tough, physical defender who has the ability to build up from the back as well as strike instantly over the top. We look for Dawson to help as much in the defense as the attack."