Louis Cross and Brad Willis have joined the Syracuse men’s soccer team and will be eligible for the 2014 season.  Syracuse men’s soccer head coach Ian McIntyre announced the two defensive additions Tuesday morning in an SU Athletics release.

Cross, a transfer from the University of Akron, will have three seasons of eligibility remaining. Willis will be a freshman in the fall, according to the release.

The center back made 13 starts for the Zips in 2013. He was part of a defense that led the Mid-American Conference (MAC) with nine shutouts. Prior to his college career, Cross captained Blackpool FC’s youth team  and was named England’s U-16 Independent Soccer Player of the Year. He is currently a member of the Portland Timbers Premier Development League (PDL) squad.

“Louis is an experienced, cultured central defender who has already enjoyed success at the college level here in the U.S. and has played in big college matches,” McIntyre said. “Louis will fit in well with our style of play and allow us to build from the back with his composure and his range of passing.”

Willis, also a center back, played for IMG Academy’s U-18 team in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy system. Before attending IMG, Willis played three seasons for The Hotchkiss School (Conn.).

“Brad can play a variety of different positions and he possesses the passion, skill and commitment to help our team,” McIntyre said. “He has both the physical tools and the drive to develop into a very good college player.”

Syracuse opens its season with an exhibition match Aug. 16 against Hartwick at the SU Soccer Stadium. The regular season opener is Aug. 29 at SU Soccer Stadium  against Niagara.