With open tryouts for the men's Heat soccer team starting in July, six young recruits have their work cut out for them.

With just two players graduating from UBCO's 2018 Canada West season, the Heat roster will look similar but this signing class will look to make an instant impact to the squad. Men's soccer head coach Dante Zanatta continues to bring in top-level talent from across B.C. and Alberta, and he has signed six new players for the upcoming 2019 UBC Okanagan Heat season.

Three strikers feature in this year's class with Mark Lawrence, Pierson Stanley, and local product Lucas Hicklin playing up front. All three will be adding some more offensive options for the Heat. Lone defender Sam Bastow will get support from versatile wing-back/midfielder Jacob Sol and midfielder Giuliano Montagliani—both fundamental two-way players. Four of the six recruits joining the Heat this year grew up in the Lower Mainland. Kelowna secondary graduate Hicklin along with Lawrence from Alberta the exceptions.

Head coach Zanatta is encouraged by this year's newcomers. He and lead assistant Tom Flannigan say the strong character of the new recruits, and their raw talent, will add a dynamic edge to this year's squad.

"Tom and I are very happy with this year recruiting class," says Zanatta. "We've been able to address area's where we feel we needed to improve on and are bringing in players that can push this year's team for positions and playing time. Not only are they quality soccer players, but they each have outstanding character and will be a great addition to the school and the community."

For more information on the six new recruits, click this link.