University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware Men's Soccer Opens Highly Anticipated 2014 Season Friday With Home Match vs. Sacred Heart
8/28/2014 4:29:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Ian Hennessy, who is beginning his ninth season in Newark. “We are still a work in progress, but even with the loss of our very talented captain (Roberto Giménez), this team can call upon a collective spirit which has been its strength over recent years. There is a great work ethic within the group and a keen appreciation that without it, we can become very ordinary. In this sense, I must commend a wonderful senior class who have been a positive beacon of governance and influence over the group. Their management of the team on the playing field and in the classroom has been remarkable. If for nothing else, I would love to reward this particular group with its third trip to the NCAA in four years.”
Delaware will be led by sophomore Guillermo Delgado, who is looking to build on a sensational rookie campaign that saw the Tres Cantos, Spain native post 15 goals and five assists to help Delaware rank No. 2 in the nation in scoring offense. Delgado, a first team All-South Atlantic Region, first team All-CAA and CAA Rookie of the Year selection, was ranked as the No. 5 freshman in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer. This preseason Delgado was one of 32 watch list candidates for the Hermann Award, which honors the top collegiate male player in the nation.
Goalkeeper Borja Barbero will once again anchor the UD backline after starting 19 games a year ago, earning first team All-CAA honors after ranking fourth in the league with 1.24 goals allowed. He earned a spot on the All-South Atlantic Region first team, and was a Preseason All-CAA honoree this August.
The Blue Hens, who return eight starters from the 2013 squad, also welcome back CAA All-Rookie midfielder Jaime Martinez and All-South Atlantic Region defender Ignacio Martin. Martinez tied for second on the team with five goals and a team-leading six assists a year ago, while Joe Dipre also returns after tallying five goals and two assists for 12 points.
However Delaware will be without the services of Giménez, a senior captain who will miss the season while recovering from knee surgery. Giménez, a preseason first team All-CAA selection earlier this month, has recorded 17 goals, 16 assists and 50 points during his Blue Hen career. He appeared in 15 contests a year ago, tying Martinez with five goals, six assists and 16 points.
“Rob has been arguably the most influential player and captain that I have had the distinct pleasure of working with in my time at UD,” Hennessy stated. “His recovery from two knee surgeries this year has been an arduous journey and unfortunately it will continue through the fall. The timing couldn't be worse for him since he has been garnering a lot of attention from MLS clubs. Hopefully we can petition to the NCAA to recover his lost year.”
Delaware will be led by sophomore Guillermo Delgado, who is looking to build on a sensational rookie campaign that saw the Tres Cantos, Spain native post 15 goals and five assists to help Delaware rank No. 2 in the nation in scoring offense. Delgado, a first team All-South Atlantic Region, first team All-CAA and CAA Rookie of the Year selection, was ranked as the No. 5 freshman in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer. This preseason Delgado was one of 32 watch list candidates for the Hermann Award, which honors the top collegiate male player in the nation.
Goalkeeper Borja Barbero will once again anchor the UD backline after starting 19 games a year ago, earning first team All-CAA honors after ranking fourth in the league with 1.24 goals allowed. He earned a spot on the All-South Atlantic Region first team, and was a Preseason All-CAA honoree this August.
The Blue Hens, who return eight starters from the 2013 squad, also welcome back CAA All-Rookie midfielder Jaime Martinez and All-South Atlantic Region defender Ignacio Martin. Martinez tied for second on the team with five goals and a team-leading six assists a year ago, while Joe Dipre also returns after tallying five goals and two assists for 12 points.
However Delaware will be without the services of Giménez, a senior captain who will miss the season while recovering from knee surgery. Giménez, a preseason first team All-CAA selection earlier this month, has recorded 17 goals, 16 assists and 50 points during his Blue Hen career. He appeared in 15 contests a year ago, tying Martinez with five goals, six assists and 16 points.
“Rob has been arguably the most influential player and captain that I have had the distinct pleasure of working with in my time at UD,” Hennessy stated. “His recovery from two knee surgeries this year has been an arduous journey and unfortunately it will continue through the fall. The timing couldn't be worse for him since he has been garnering a lot of attention from MLS clubs. Hopefully we can petition to the NCAA to recover his lost year.”
Players Mentioned
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