USF Recognized In ESPNsoccernet’s NCAA Preview

[Brad]

Courtesy USF SID Office

USF Recognized In ESPNsoccernet’s NCAA Preview

TAMPA, Fla. (August 25, 2006) – The University of South Florida men’s soccer team has been recognized in ESPNsoccernet’s NCAA season preview, ranked No. 5 in the outlet’s preseason poll. Also recognized is junior Rodrigo Hidalgo, who was named to its Preseason All-America Team.

The preview, written by Doug McIntyre (a columnist for ESPNsoccernet and ESPN the Magazine), listed the Bulls at No. 5 in his preseason top 15 poll. The No. 5 ranking is the highest of any BIG EAST team. Both Connecticut (No. 6) and St. John’s (No. 15) are listed in the poll. McIntyre also list Hidalgo among his Preseason All-Americans, as well as the front-runner for the Hermann Trophy.

Picked to win the Red Division in 2006, USF returns 10 starters, including Preseason All-BIG EAST selections Hidalgo, Jordan Seabrook and Yohance Marshall. The Bulls have received preseason rankings by “Soccer America” (No. 9), “College Soccer News” (No. 11), “SoccerTimes” (No. 16) and the NSCAA (No. 18).  

Hidalgo, a candidate for this year’s M.A.C Hermann Trophy, enters the 2006 campaign as a “College Soccer News” Preseason All-American. Named to the 2006 Preseason All-BIG EAST team, Hidalgo earned NSCAA All-South Regional honors last season.  A first team All-BIG EAST selection in 2005, Hidalgo finished second in the nation in assists per game (0.75), leading the conference with 15 assists. Second on the team in points (29), Hidalgo registered a career-best seven goals and 15 assists this past season. A two-time Soccer America National Team of the Week honoree, Hidalgo recorded four multiple-assist outings in 2005, including a career-high three assists versus Jacksonville (Sept. 4). He was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 31) after recording two goals and two assists to lead the Bulls to their first-ever division title. Entering the season, Hidalgo was honored by the BIG EAST Conference by being named to preseason all-conference team. Hidalgo registered a goal and three assists during the 2005 NCAA Tournament, guiding the Bulls to their first appearance in the second round since 2001.