Jan. 10, 2005

St. Louis - Saint Louis head men's soccer coach Dan Donigan today announced that sophomore forward Will John (Kansas City, Mo. / Rockhurst) and freshman defender Tim Ward (Waukesha, Wis. / Edison Academic Center, Bradenton, Fla.) will sign with Major League Soccer's Project 40 and be eligible for the MLS SuperDraft on Fri., Jan. 14. As a result of their bids to play professional soccer, the duo will leave the Billikens' program.

"We wish both Will and Tim the best of luck as they take this next big step in their playing careers," Donigan said. "Playing professionally is a tremendous challenge, and we hope that they are prepared to put in their best effort for this transition. Their best soccer is ahead of them, and we hope that they both land in good situations."

At the conclusion of the 2004 season, John was named first-team All-Conference USA and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) second-team All-Midwest Region after leading the Billikens in scoring with 24 points (10G, 4A). He was one of 16 semifinalists for the Hermann Trophy, the annual award given to collegiate soccer's player of the year. He left the program with a two-year career total of 47 points (19G, 9A).

Ward was named to the 2004 C-USA All-Freshman team and was selected second-team All-Conference. He was also named NSCAA second-team All-Midwest Region. He tied John for second on the Bills in assists with four.

John and Ward have been training with the U.S. Under-20 National Team in preparation for the U-20 CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament, which is being held at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., Jan. 12-16.

John and Ward become the second and third Billikens underclassmen to turn professional in the last six months. Last July, 2003 NSCAA first-team All-America Vedad Ibisevic signed with Paris St. Germain in France.

Players, who sign contracts with MLS and still have collegiate eligibility remaining are tagged Project 40. They become eligible for the SuperDraft and a full roster spot.