Men's Soccer Alums Jaye, Spencer Sign Pro Contracts with FC Cincinnati

CINCINNATI – Xavier men's soccer alums Dallas Jaye and Luke Spencer both signed professional contracts on Monday, joining FC Cincinnati for its inaugural season. The newest professional franchise in town, FC Cincinnati begins its first season in the USL in March.

"This is another proud moment for our program," said head coach Andy Fleming. "Making sure that guys get the exposure towards and chance to play professionally after Xavier is something that seemed like a reach six years ago, but now is a reality, with seven of our players currently playing worldwide."

Midfielder Jamie Dell, defender Evan Lee, defender Derek Luke and goalkeeper Dan Williams also joined the team on Monday. FC Cincinnati's roster now has 17 players under contract. Two additional spots are expected to be filled before the season begins.

"This latest group of players gives our roster depth as well as leadership," said John Harkes, head coach of FC Cincinnati. "Local fans will enjoy seeing familiar faces like Luke Spencer on the pitch here again."

LUKE SPENCER

Spencer originally came to XU via Winton Woods High School and was the first Xavier soccer player to be taken in the draft when he was selected 23rd overall by the New England Revolution.

Spencer had a career-year as a senior in 2012, helping the Musketeers reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cincinnati-native scored 14 goals, leading the Atlantic 10, and had eight assists. He finished his career with 29 goals and 21 assists, while his 79 points still rank third in program history.

He was named to the Atlantic 10 First Team and NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic First Team in 2012 after leading the A-10 -- and ranking in the nation's top 25 -- in points per game and total points.

The 6-foot-2 forward was the lone striker during the final three years of his career, spurring the Musketeers to two Atlantic 10 Championships and three-straight NCAA Tournaments.

"I'm obviously very excited for Luke – to the point where I got emotional about it. His career was gone in a blink of an eye and I never felt like he got the chance or the pro soccer experience he deserved. Now to get that, especially after pretty much being retired and to do it in his hometown with a start up franchise, that's pretty cool. Luke is fit and in good form and I think will be heard from once he gets match ready and a few tackles under his belt."

DALLAS JAYE

Jaye, a goalkeeper and member of the 2015 Musketeers, comes to FC Cincinnati from the PDL side FC Tucson. He has also played internationally, representing Guam in FIFA play.

An offseason transfer from USF, Jaye made his only season at Xavier memorable. The San Ramon, Calif. native shared BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year honors with Creighton's Connor Sparrow and set a new program record for goals against average (0.63).

Making 14 appearances and 13 starts in net, Jaye logged over 1,288 minutes and allowed just nine goals. His 0.63 GAA led the BIG EAST and ranked ninth in the nation. Jaye's .830 save percentage also led the BIG EAST and ranked 13th in the nation.

Xavier went 10-3-1 with seven shutouts when Jaye played. He also came up big in XU's two biggest road wins of the season, making six saves at No. 2 Notre Dame (9/15) and tallying a career-high eight at No. 1 Creighton (10/28).

"Dallas came here to make an impact and to further his soccer career," said Fleming. "It's no secret that when he was with us, we were a very good team and that was recognized by the BIG EAST. I think this is a good fit for him, and for him to work with Jamie Starr will ease his transition. Dallas is unique in that he's talented enough to be their starting GK, but also open to and capable of handling the backup role very well, which is rare to find in a high-level collegiate goalie."

MUSKETEERS IN THE PROS

Former Xavier players playing professionally include Nick Hagglund (Toronto FC), Will and Matt Walker (Western Suburbs, New Zealand Central Premier league), James Queree (St. Breleds, England), Eric Osswald (Real Salt Lake Monarchs USL), Spencer and Jaye.

Schedule

Upcoming Events