Former Spartans Shine Bright in CONCACAF Gold Cup

BALTIMORE - The stage is set for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals with fixtures featuring USA vs. Cuba and Haiti vs. Jamaica.

The real excitement, besides on the pitch, will be that the University of Tampa men's soccer program will be represented in the second of the two fixtures by Haitian midfielder Pascal Millien and Jamaican goalkeeper Ryan Thompson. The former Spartan teammates have met previously in international competition in the 2014 Carribean Cup.

Millien was a member of UT's team from 2007-09. He ranks third all-time in assists, and game-winning goals. During his three years, he tallied 25 career goals and 29 assists. Since leaving Tampa, the Haitian midfielder has gone on to a highly successful professional career.

Millien has played for clubs such as: the Sligo Rovers of Ireland, Sheikh Russel KC in Bangladesh, Fidelis Andria of Italy's Serie D, and the Jacksonville Armada of the NASL (North American Soccer League). During his various stops in his career, He's won the Irish Premier Division championship in 2012, the 2007 Carribean Cup along with finishing third in the Carribean Cup in 2012,2014.

Thompson, who most recently came into the limelight for posting a clean sheet after coming on against El Salvador in the 23rd minute, was a four-year starter at goalkeeper for Tampa from 2006-09. He concluded his career with a 1.12 GAA and 14 shutouts, with a record of 38-12-3. He remains the school leader with 251 saves and ranks in the top-five in all goalkeeping categories.

Thompson has also excelled at the pro level. He has gone on to play for: the MPS Portland Phoenix, Shamrock Rovers in Ireland, Vasby United (AFC United) in Sweden, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and the USL's Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Keeper has also had success at the International level as a member of the Jamaican 2014 Carribean Cup champion team, as well as competing in Copa America. Another great accolade under Thompson's belt is he is first Jamaican player ever to play in the UEFA Champion's league.

When asked about their time as Spartans, both men look back on the time fondly saying that competing alongside each other and their teammates was a great experience. However, Millien and Thompson are going to do their best to will their side to victory to advance to the Semifinals on July 22. Head coach Adrian Bush said, "Both Millien and Thompson, are great representatives of the Men's soccer program, and fierce competitors the game is going to be a lot of fun to watch".

Fans can follow the action on Saturday kickoff is set for 8 p.m., EST, as the match will be broadcasted on Fox Sports 1. Check your local listings for availability. Also, fans can follow along with the action by visiting www.CONCACAF.com/category/goldcup.