Comets' Rodriguez Named MISL Rookie of the Year
Published on March 22, 2011 under Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Kansas City Comets News Release
(Kansas City, MO) The Major Indoor Soccer League announced today that Comets' midfielder, Luca Rodriguez has been named the 2010-2011 MISL Rookie of the Year. Rodriquez, a 25-year-old midfielder, recorded six goals and seven assists (19 points) in 17 games this season and ranked sixth on the Comets in scoring. A local product out of Mid-America Nazarene College, Rodriquez led all MISL rookies in points, and scored all of his points in his last 10 games of the season, including a five-point outing on February 16 in the Comets' win over the Chicago Riot.
Also receiving honors Tuesday was Comets' defender Brian Harris, who was named to the MISL's All-Rookie Team. Harris, who played his college soccer at UMKC, tied for the Comets team lead in blocks with 20, which also tied him for 6th most in the MISL on the season.
The announcements follow a formal voting process that polled members of the media, as well as MISL coaches and general managers. Voters were asked to select three forwards/midfielders, two defenders and one goalkeeper.
When told that Rodriguez been named MISL Rookie of the Year, Head Coach, Kim Roentved sounded like a proud papa. "I honestly couldn't be more proud of Lucas," the coach said. "His confidence escalated throughout the season after he got his first goal. He has tremendous skills with unlimited potential, and it was a pleasure watching him progress as the year went on."
On Brian Harris being named to the league's All-Rookie Team, Roentved had this to say: "Brian came in last fall as a tryout player, and immediately proved that he belonged," said the coach. "Little did we know that he would become a starter and such a force in the back for us. The guy is as strong as a bull, and fits right in with today's more physical game. I expect Brian to be a premier defender in this league for a very long time."
Joining Rodriguez and Harris on the MISL All-Rookie Team are Vipers' goalkeeper Josh Miller, who started four of the Vipers' last six games, defender Ryan Junge, who accounted for 21 of Omaha's 31 defensive points, and Mauricio Curiel Hernandez, who recorded 15 points in 20 games. Riot forward Alex Megson, who recorded 20 points in 18 games, rounds out the All-Rookie Team. Megson recorded five goals in the Riot's last five games.
About the Comets Players:
Lucas Rodriguez: Rodriguez was a bolt of energy for the Comets all season long. Rodriguez brought speed and ankle-breaking ball movement to each game, and was key to opening up defenses and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Brian Harris: Harris was one of the most exciting players to watch during the 2010-2011 season, bringing intensity and aggressiveness not often seen in a rookie. Harris does not shy away from contact, and would probably slide-tackle a family member if they ever tried to get past him with the ball.
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from March 22, 2011
- Attend the Blast Rally for the Championship - Baltimore Blast
- Wave Take Longer Road to Championship Game - Milwaukee Wave
- Comets' Rodriguez Named MISL Rookie of the Year - Kansas City Comets
- MISL Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team Announced - MISL
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