PORTLAND, Ore.-- University of Portland director of soccer Bill Irwin announced that Michael Gavin and Joseph Taylor have signed national letters of intent and will join the Pilots for the 2004 season. The two players are the first signees for Portland, who will lose seven players from last year’s squad to graduation.

“In this class, we were looking for players who could immediately push our returners and challenge for starting spots,” Irwin said. “We return a very good squad who are experienced enough to replace our departed seniors. The additions of Michael and Joseph will add even more depth as both players will get the opportunity to play and earn a starting spot.”

Gavin (5-10, 150) will join a solid core of returning defenders as primarily a left back, and has the versatility and ability to play on either side of the field according to Irwin. Gavin was the team captain of the Sereno ‘86 Golden Eagles, a club team that won three regional titles and reached the national finals last year. A native of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Horizon High School, Gavin was the Defensive Player of the Year on his 2003 high school team which won the State Championship.

“He is getting bigger, stronger and showing great leadership on his team. Michael has an excellent left foot, and his right is continually improving,” Irwin said of Gavin. “I’m more impressed every time I see him.”

Taylor (5-10, 150), currently on the way to Chile with his Regional Olympic Development Program team, has the ability to play both the forward and midfield positions next season. Taylor captains the Cal-North ODP State squad, a team he has played with the last four years. Taylor, from Clovis, Calif. and Buchanan High School, earned all-league honors each of his four seasons, including city and league Most Valuable Player status as a senior. The offensive MVP of his team as a junior and senior, Taylor led Buchanan to the CIF Central Section title in 2003 and runner-up honors in 2004. He finished a prestigious prep career with 62 career goals and 45 career assists.

“Joseph is a quick, skillful player who can score goals,” noted Irwin. “He can play either up front or out wide and has extended experience with his regional team. We are excited about both of our recruits and see them contributing to a great returning group this coming season.”