NASHVILLE, TENN. - - Former Belmont men’s soccer players Jay Ayes and J.P Rodrigues have each been invited to participate in the preseason camp of Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise, the San Jose Earthquakes, according to Belmont men’s soccer head coach Earle Davidson. Both players have been participating in exhibition matches and have survived several rounds of roster cuts.

Ayres graduated in December 2007 after a distinguished career on and off the pitch. He started in 68 matches, which is second most ever in Belmont history and in the top-10 in Atlantic Sun history. He was named the Atlantic Sun Defensive Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons in 2006 and 2007. Ayres made the All-Conference first-team in each of those years. He was also named to the Atlantic Sun All-Academic team all three years he was eligible to receive the award. This past season, Ayres scored one goal and anchored a defense that had six shutouts, which tied the all-time record for the Bruins in a season. He has played in the last two exhibition matches for the Earthquakes.

J.P Rodrigues was also named the A-Sun Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and was a two-time member of the All-Atlantic Sun first team in his career. He has played professionally for the Miami FC of the United Soccer League (USL) the past two seasons since departing Belmont, appearing in 48 matches.