Cincinnati Announces Men's Soccer Signees

Cincinnati, Ohio - Following a seventh consecutive trip to the Conference USA Tournament last fall, the University of Cincinnati men's soccer team has signed three players to national letters of intent. Two players, Justin Lewis (Grove City, Ohio/Grove City) and Preston Talbert (Littleton, Colo./Arapahoe), play both forward and midfielder, while Mike Vessells (Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin) is a goalkeeper.

Lewis earned all-state accolades as a senior and was a three-time all-conference choice. During his career, Lewis scored 67 goals and helped Grove City to it's first district final in over 20 years.

"Justin is a versatile, explosive player who we feel will continue to develop into a top-level college player," said Bearcats head coach Hylton Dayes.

Talbert earned first team all-state honors as a senior and was a member of the regional pool for the Olympic Developmental Program. On the club level, Talbert's team Real Colorado won the state championship in 2000.

"Preston is an excellent athlete who has been involved at a regional ODP level," said Dayes. "We will look for him to contribute for us right away."

Vessells finished his career at Turpin as the school's all-time leader in shutouts with 36. He twice earned all-city honors while helping Turpin to two consecutive state championships. Vessells' club team, Team Dayton, was crowned the 2001 National Club Champions.

"Mike is one of the top goalkeepers in the state," said Dayes. "He has excellent size and technical skills. He has been part of a state championship team in high school and a national champion on the club level. We expect him to come in and solidify the goalkeeper position."

In his first year at the helm, Dayes coached the Bearcats to a 7-8-4 record and a fifth place finish in Conference USA. The Bearcats' biggest victory of the year came on an Oct. 28, a 3-2 upset of then-No. 12 UAB. Cincinnati's spring season gets underway on Tuesday, April 9 with a match against the Columbus Crew of the MLS. The match with the Crew will be held at their training facility in Obetz, Ohio.