May 13, 2009

MILWAUKEE - Head coach Jon Coleman of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team has announced the signings of Kevin Acevedo of Fairfax, Va., and Leon Ramirez of Arvada, Colo. The addition of this pair of student-athletes brings the total number in the recruiting class to nine for the 2009 campaign.

"These are two great late signings that will definitely give us depth," Coleman said. "Both players will fit into our system really well. This will give us nine players that really have a chance to contribute and do well."

Acevedo comes to UWM from Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, Minn. While there he played nearly 40 games his final season at the college-prep school. He was a member of the SSM Soccer Academy, playing September through May.

He also is a member of the Virginia Olympic Development Program and was a 2008 USYSA U18 National Finalist, falling to the Andromeda "90" team that won the championship and featured current UWM players Eric Frazier and DJ Alexander.

"Kevin comes in as a polished player," Coleman said. "He is going to want to come in here and work hard to contribute. His qualities are in his vision, skill and ability to play out of pressure."

Ramirez played at Ralston Valley High School and was a four-year letter winner and All-Conference Jefferson County league player - including first team honors as a senior and junior. The three-year team captain was named Team MVP and offensive MVP as a senior, junior and sophomore and also excelled in the classroom, earning Colorado All-State Soccer Academic honors three times.

"Leon is a hard-working, technically-sound, tenacious player that will help us in midfield," Coleman said. "He is going to battle every day."