TicketsAug. 7, 2012
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team reported to campus on Tuesday, Aug. 7, in preparation for the opening of preseason camp, which opens on Wednesday.
The Bearcats attended academics, compliance, equipment and other check-in meetings on Tuesday and will hold the first practice of the fall campaign on Wednesday at 9 a.m.
After a disappointing 2011 season in which the Bearcats suffered through multiple injuries and the inconsistencies that come with an influx of young talent, UC returns a corps of talented and experienced veterans in 2012.
Matt Bahner, a 2010 second-team all-BIG EAST selection who scored seven goals and added seven assists in helping the Bearcats to the BIG EAST semifinals, returns after missing the entire 2011 season due to injury.
A bevy of standout sophomores lead the youthful Bearcats including Cole DeNormandie, who scored seven goals en route to earning BIG EAST all-Rookie honors in 2011. DeNormandie had a strong spring season and successful summer campaign with the Columbus Crew Junior Academy and will be UC's top goal-scoring threat from the forward position.
DeNormandie was one of four UC freshman to be named to TopDrawerSoccer.com's Top 100 Freshman of 2011 list along with Matt Remaley, Will Diebold, and Emmanuel Appiah. Not mentioned on the list, but expected to contribute in a midfield role in 2012 is sophomore Ashani Walker who scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win against No. 11 and eventual BIG EAST Champion St. John's in the regular-season finale.
Leadership roles will be filled by senior Zach Patterson, a defensive midfielder who has made 31 appearances over his first three seasons, and Michael Millay, who will move to central defender to replace departed four-year starter Sam Klosterman.
A pair of exciting seniors, forward Leon Powell and midfielder Shamar Shelton will look to add offensive punch to the lineup. Powell is a physical, speedy presence up top who scored a pair of goals in 2011, his first at the Division I level. Shelton is one of the most skilled offensive players on the field and can put pressure on the defense from his wide midfield position.
A talented crop of newcomers join the fray, led by NSCAA High School All-American John Manga, ESPN High School All-American Jacob Martinez, and Richardo Israel, a member of the Jamaican U-20 national team who will have a chance to start at central defender.
The Bearcats are led by 12th-year head coach Hylton Dayes, who has posted 92 wins on the UC sidelines. Dayes is the second-winningest coach in UC history, trailing only Bob Muro, who won 114 matches as the Bearcats' skipper.
UC opens exhibition play on Sunday, Aug. 12, against Eastern Illinois in Gettler Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.