University of Evansville soccer head coach Mike Jacobs announced today that Richard Menjivar (pronounced MEN-juh-var), a senior at James Monroe High School in North Hills, California, has signed a national letter of intent with UE. He becomes the 10th addition to Jacobs' 2008 squad. Menjivar comes to UE as a highly regarded attacking player. He is a team captain of the LAFC of the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy, which won the 2007 USL Super-Y League North American National Championship. Menjivar also led his team to titles in the 2007 Nomads College Showcase and California Cup. He is a teammate of fellow incoming classmate Bobby Reiss. Menjivar also participated in the prestigious Adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) last summer, making him the fourth member of that program to join the Aces in this incoming freshmen class. A standout and captain for James Monroe High School, Menjivar was named team Most Valuable Player in 2007. He can play in the midfield or up front. "Richard has all of the attributes to be a key contributor here at UE," Jacobs says. "His dynamic attacking ability, coupled with an excellent work ethic on both sides of the ball, makes him someone who we expect to help be a difference maker in the midfield and attacking thirds of the field." Evansville has quickly progressed in Coach Jacobs' first two years. The Aces won 10 matches in 2007, their most since 1999, and climbed to third place in the Missouri Valley Conference. Eight Evansville players earned all-MVC honors.