TicketsAug. 11, 2010
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team was selected to finish seventh in the BIG EAST Conference's Red Division in a vote by the league's coaches.
The Bearcats return eight starters, including the top five scorers from the 2009 squad. Senior forward Branden Stelmak (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights), who led the Bearcats with four goals and 12 points, returns up top. Two-year starter Matt Williams (Portland, Maine/Cheverus) is back to man the goalkeeper position.
The 2010 newcomers are highlighted by impact transfers Andre Sharpe (St. Catharine, Jamaica/Graceland), Shamar Shelton (Kingston, Jamaica/Lindsey Wilson), and Roger Thompson (Brampton, Ontario/Graceland). Freshman Michael Millay (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips) will look to make an immediate impact as well.
Connecticut and St. John's are the coaches' preseason picks to win the Blue and Red Divisions, respectively. Louisville's Colin Rolfe was tabbed as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while Aaron Maund of Notre Dame and Jeff Attinella of USF were selected as the Preseason Defensive and Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively.
The BIG EAST is the largest and most diverse Division I conference in the country. It was formed in 1979 and represents the athletic interests of 16 member institutions including the University of Cincinnati, University of Connecticut, DePaul University, Georgetown University, University of Louisville, Marquette University, University of Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh, Providence College, Rutgers University, St. John's University, Seton Hall University, University of South Florida, Syracuse University, Villanova University and West Virginia University. The BIG EAST Conference has captured 26 national championships in six different sports and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series.
The Bearcats open the 2010 season on Aug. 20, with an exhibition contest at Northern Kentucky. UC opens regular season play on Sept. 1 vs. Dayton in Gettler Stadium.