Feb. 7, 2002

MILWAUKEE -- UWM men's soccer coach Louis Bennett announced the addition of six players to his roster for the upcoming season. Eric Mickschl and Bill Meier have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Panthers next season, while Cliff Ellsworth and David Ballantyne have already transferred to UWM this semester. Daniel Saavedra and Alejandro Munoz have returned to full-time training after missing last season.

A 6-foot-2 All-American goalkeeper, Mickschl (Glendale, Wis./Nicolet H.S.) chose to play at UWM over NCAA runner-up Indiana. He was named the Wisconsin State Soccer Player of the Year and led his high school team to its first conference title after posting 10 shutouts last season. He plays club soccer for F.C. Milwaukee Nationals.

"Eric is an All-American and the state's player of the year," Bennett said. "He obviously has the tools to be a top goalkeeper in the nation. What is more exciting is that he has the capabilities and the willingness to improve, and under the tutelage of (assistant and goalkeepers coach) Stan Anderson, he will be procured into a caliber goalkeeper of the Royal and Schmidt mold."

Bennett refers to the style of goalkeeping demonstrated by former UWM standouts Paul Royal (1992-95) and Matt Schmidt (1995-98).

"He had many options, but he chose UWM as his home," Anderson said of Mickschl. "He plays without fear and possesses uncanny athleticism, and he will come in and immediately make the goalkeeping position stronger. At times, he plays like a piece of plexi glass with gloves."

Meier (Racine, Wis./ St. Catherines H.S.) is a 6-foot-3 midfielder/defender who helped his high school team to a runner-up finish at the WIAA state tournament last fall. He has been named to the all-state, all-conference and all-county teams in high school, and plays club soccer for the Racine Rockers.

"Bill gives us height, a quality touch on the ball, vision and a strong competitive edge," Bennett said. "These characteristics will allow him to make Milwaukee soccer a perfect fit. Even though he received good recognition his senior year, he may be one of the most underestimated players in the state. He's a true diamond in the rough that may only have been recognized by his high school coach Ben Lake and our coaching staff."

A 5-foot-8 midfielder/forward, Ellsworth (Mequon, Wis./Homestead H.S.) transferred from Indiana and will complete his freshman year at UWM this semester. He was named the Wisconsin State Player of the Year in 1999 and redshirted the 2000 season at Indiana, before helping the Hoosiers to a NCAA runner-up finish this past season.

"We couldn't be happier that Cliff has decided to continue his education and extend his soccer career at UWM," Bennett said. "He's a player with speed, flare and a knack of scoring goals. He is very well suited to the style of play we play here at Milwaukee. Having recruited the local state player of the year, it is pleasing that after a year of college soccer, this was the right place for him."

Joining Ellsworth at UWM this semester is Ballantyne, a 6-foot-1 left-footed midfielder/defender transferring from Newcastle, England. Ballantyne went to school at Halley Bridge and represented his county in soccer. He plays club soccer for Queen of the South of Scotland, competing in the Scottish League with amateur reserves and U-18's.

"Adding a player like David will give us strength and depth of talent on the left-hand side of the field," Bennett said. "His experience of playing against men since he was 16 years old will definitely help our overall level of experience to the team. He's a great addition, especially at this time of the year where he can acclimate to our style of play and the Wisconsin way of life."

Saavedra (Milwaukee, Wis./Milwaukee Tech H.S.) and Munoz (Pereira, Columbia/Greenfield H.S.) return to full-time training with the Panthers this semester. Saavedra started 18 of 21 games as an interior midfielder for UWM in 2000, and was named to the MCC All-Newcomer Team after posting three goals and one assist. Missing the 2001 season, he rejoins the Panthers meeting the team's prerequisites this semester. Munoz was scheduled to make his debut for the Panthers this past fall, but had to take time off for personal family issues. He served four years in the Air Force after high school and will play his first year of collegiate soccer as an interior midfielder. Both Saavedra and Munoz play club soccer for Mequon F.C.

"The true incoming freshmen are of national caliber," Bennett said. "With the addition of the transfer students who are already training, it adds an exciting layer of quality to our nationally-ranked squad. The return of Daniel and Alejandro to full-time practice will add a creative dynamic and equip our already highly-touted squad to better maintain the national status from 2001."

"What's unbelievable about this particular incoming class is that it's not finished," Bennett added. "In the past, we would have been content and elated with the recruiting at this stage. But the ambition and expectation of everyone concerned with Milwaukee men's soccer wants to put everything in place to secure and improve on our Top 25 status."