By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team has signed seven players to join the Norse for the 2008 season.

The Norse will add two transfers, Dustin Downey and Mike Jonca, and five freshmen: Tommy Barrick, Kevin Donnelly, Anthony Meyer, Alex Oeswein and Kevin Trespalacios.

Downey comes to NKU from Western Kentucky University as a senior after the Hilltoppers folded their program following the 2007 season. Downey was named to the Missouri Valley Conference all-freshman team, scoring three goals, and earned honorable mention All-MVC in 2006, scoring two goals.

"Dustin comes from a very extensive club and college background,” said head coach John Basalyga of Downey. “He, along with Tony Ray, won a U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship while playing for Javanon SC in Louisville. His three years at Western Kentucky will provide much needed leadership on and off the field this fall."

Jonca, a native of London, Ontario, becomes the second foreign-born player on the NKU roster after transferring from Detroit Mercy, where he notched six points in 33 games of action over two seasons. “Mike’s Division I experience will help us make an easier transition this fall,” added Basalyga. ” He has excellent speed and ball control. His biggest asset is his ability to run at defenders and make things happen on offense."

Barrick is the fourth player to join the Norse from Gahanna Lincoln High School, following in the footsteps of Tom Shriner and Matt and Michael Lavric. Barrick scored 10 goals during his senior season and was named first-team All-Ohio Capital Conference, as well as second team All-Central District and a member of the All-Academic team. With his help, the Lions captured three OCC championships, two district championships and one appearance in the regional finals.

“Tommy is very composed under pressure and he has the ability to play multiple positions,” said Basalyga.

Donnelly earned first team All-Greater Miami Conference and third team all-state honors during his senior season at Princeton High School. During his career, Donnelly notched 14 goals and 17 assists while helping the Vikings preserve 21 shutouts. Donnelly is currently preparing for the fall season as a part of the Cincinnati United Premier club team, and is set to compete in the USYSA regionals this summer.

“We are in need of central midfielders and Kevin will have an opportunity to compete for a starting position,” said Basalyga. The Norse lost two-time All-America midfielder Tony Capurro, as well as Jason Larkin, Kyle Roberts and Chad Cook, to graduation following the 2007 campaign.

Meyer was an offensive juggernaut at Elder High School, notching 43 career goals, including 26 during his senior season, to set Panther records. Meyer was named the Greater Catholic League South Athlete of the Year in 2007, and also earned first team All-Ohio and Cincinnati Enquirer All-Star Team honors.

"Anthony is another athlete who splits time with another sport, basketball,” added Basalyga. “He was a point guard at Elder, and knows how to compete when the game is on the line. He has good size and speed which he uses to his advantage on the court and on the field."

Oeswein comes to NKU from duPont Manual High School in Louisville, where he scored eight goals during his senior year to earn the team’s Offensive Award and help lead the Crimson to the 6th Region finals. “Alex is a very athletic player who will play either forward or outside midfield,” said Basalyga. “We will be counting on him to utilize his multi-sport talent in soccer. He is a very good baseball player who splits time with soccer in the spring.”

Trespalacios, a St. Henry product, was named a 2007 honorable mention all-state after helping the Crusaders to a 17th District championship. Kevin was also a part of the Crusaders’ 2005 state semifinal team.

“Kevin has been a big part in St. Henry's success over the past couple of years,” Basalyga stated. “He has good size and technical ability and will be looking to make an impact in the midfield.”

The two-time defending NCAA Great Lakes Region champions will open the 2008 season on Aug. 22 in the sixth annual John Toebben Classic.