WINTER PARK, Fla. – Nova Southeastern men’s soccer freshmen
Riccardo Bini (Varese, Italy) and
Nicola Brivio (Gallarte, Italy) received All-Sunshine State Conference honors, as announced by the conference office Thursday.
Bini was named to the first-team while Brivio received second-team accolades. The honors recognize the current freshman class as one of the most promising in recent years. Only five players in program history have ever been named All-SSC as freshman, with the two current rookies joining Aly Hassan, Lorcan Cronin and Jarrod Rennick. Bini joins Hassan, A current Fort Lauderdale Striker, as the only two freshmen from NSU to be named All-SSC First-Team.
“I’m really pleased that both Riccardo and Nicola have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to our team, by being selected to the All-SSC team,” said head coach
Giuseppe DePalo. “I am positive that they will be encouraged by the accomplishment and will work even harder to improve for next year.”
Upon entering the league, Bini instantly became one of the SSC’s top strikers. Bini was in the running for most goals scored all season, and ended the year with eight goals, two of which were game-winners. Bini took 60 shots this season, more than double any of his teammates, and held a 41.7 on-target percentage.
“To be among the top scorers in the league as a freshman says a lot about Riccardo’s ability and drive,” stated DePalo. “I’m certain he will continue to get better.”
Brivio entered the year as the team’s starting left back and logged more minutes at 1350 than any other player outside of starting goalkeeper Andrea Giombetti (So., Rome, Italy). Brivio had a team-best three assists this season and was one of the team’s best playmakers from the wing.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg for Nicola,” said DePalo. “In my opinion he can become one of the best players in the country at his position. I’m very excited about working with these two guys and the rest of our group, and I’m already looking forward to next season.”
2012 ALL-SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE MEN'S SOCCER TEAM
FIRST TEAM
F - Tyler Blackwood, Tampa (So.)
F - Rob Crowley, Rollins (So.)
F - Julian Halder, Lynn (Grad.)
M - Gary Ogilvie, Florida Tech (Sr.)
M - Daniel Salazar, Rollins (Sr.)
M - Jack Winter, Lynn (So.)
D - Matt Duffy, Eckerd (Sr.)
D - Brian Fekete, Tampa (Sr.)
D - Walker Hume, Rollins (Fr.)
GK - Matt DiCerbo, Lynn (Sr.)
At-Large - Riccardo Bini, Nova Southeastern (Fr.)
Player of the Year - Tyler Blackwood, Tampa
Offensive Player of the Year - Tyler Blackwood, Tampa
Defensive Player of the Year - Matt Duffy, Eckerd
Freshman of the Year - Walker Hume, Rollins
Coach of the Year - Adrian Bush, Tampa
SECOND TEAM
F - Matt Dolan, Eckerd (So.)
F - Brett Durrance, Rollins (Fr.)
F - Drake Hillman, Florida Tech (So.)
M - Antoine Aupiais, Florida Tech (So.)
M - Evan Greenbaum, Rollins (So.)
M - Guilherme Oliveira, Barry (Sr.)
D - Nicola Brivio, Nova Southeastern (Fr.)
D - Ashley Holmes, Florida Southern (Grad.)
D - Jason Sangha, Lynn (So.)
GK - Keneil Baker, Rollins (Jr.)
At-Large - Brentton Muhammad, Florida Tech (Sr.)
HONORABLE MENTION
F - Grant Blackhurst, Rollins (Fr.)
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