Four MAC Players Honored by TopDrawerSoccer.Com on its Preseason Best XI Squads
Courtesy of Akron and Buffalo's Sports Information Department
AKRON, Ohio - Three University of Akron men's soccer standouts were recognized as some of the game's best when TopDrawerSoccer.com unveiled its Men's Preseason Best XI squads.
Senior captain Adam Najem (Clifton, N.J.) was honored as a first-team honoree in the midfield, while senior midfielder Victor Souto (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and freshman defender Nick Hinds (Plantation, Fla.) were recognized as third- and freshman-team selections.
A year ago, Najem garnered second-team All-America honors starting all 24 games for Akron registering team-high marks in assists (11), points (31), shots (69), shots on goal (31) and game-winner (4), while ranking second in goals (10). Additionally, he became the sixth Zip to garner first-team National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Scholar All-America accolades.
A team captain, Najem has continued to elevate his presence on the national scene with his play as he was named to the 2016 Missouri Athletic Club's (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch List.
Souto started all 24 games for the Zips a year ago registering eight goals and three assists on 26 shots, including 10 on goal.
The Zips enter their 2016 campaign ranked second nationally in the NSCAA and College Soccer News polls and third as voted on by TopDrawerSoccer.com. Akron is making final preparations for its 2016 season opener on Friday, Aug. 26, as the Zips welcome No. 7 Georgetown to FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field for a 7:30 p.m. tilt.
Akron will also host No. 9 Seattle on Sunday, Aug. 28, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Akron Classic.
The Zips completed their exhibition campaign registering a 1-0 triumph past Michigan last Friday, Aug. 19, at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo men's soccer senior captain Russell Cicerone was named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Preseason Best XI Squad, as announced by the website on Tuesday. This honor recognizes the best college soccer players in the country.
"It's pleasing to see that the reigning MAC Player of the Year is getting the recognition he deserves from these media outlets," said fourth-year head coach Stu Riddle. "He's poised for a big fall season and a big professional career and I know he's chomping at the bit to get the regular season going this weekend."
Cicerone is coming off one of the best seasons in program history in 2015 as he earned Mid-American Conference Player of the Year honors, becoming just the second UB player in program history to do so. The dangerous forward finished off his impressive junior campaign leading the team and conference in goals (12) and points (32) while also racking up a career-best eight assists, ranking third in the MAC.
The Bloomfield Hills, MI native also garnered first team All-MAC honors for the third consecutive season, becoming the first UB player in program history to do so. Cicerone has plastered his name all over the UB record books as he ranks third in program history in goals (28) and points (69) while ranking ninth in assists (13).
The Bulls completed their exhibition slate with a 2-0-1 overall record while Cicerone had himself quite the preseason, racking up a team-best six goals and two assists through the three matches.
UB will open up their regular season at UB Stadium on Friday, Aug. 26 as they welcome Daemen College for a 7:00 pm match. Admission to Friday night's season opener is free for all fans. The Bulls will then hit the road for a Big 4 battle with Canisius on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 7:00 pm.
TopDrawerSoccer.com BEST XI SQUADS
