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USL United Soccer League Championship

Foothills FC's Russo, Bucks' Najem Atop PDL's Best in College Lists

November 15, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - With conference and national tournaments in full swing across North America, the Premier Development League has ranked Calgary forward Dominic Russo as the Top PDL Attacker in college, while Akron talent Adam Najem has been named the Top PDL Midfielder.

PDL's Best in College: Top 10 Attackers | Top 10 Midfielders | Top 10 Goalkeepers | Top 10 Defenders

Russo scored 15 goals and provided nine assists - both second-most in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association - for the Dinos during the 2016 college season. The 6-foot forward recorded six goals and one assist during the PDL regular season, earning 2016 PDL All-League Team honors. In the 2016 PDL Playoffs, Russo continued to excel, scoring four goals and providing one assist to lead Calgary Foothills FC to the PDL Championship.

"Dominic has carried on his great 2016 PDL season form into the CIS environment," Foothills FC Head Coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said. "I've always said this boy is built for MLS and firmly believe he can keep progressing his career post-university now that he has finished his fifth year with the University of Calgary. He's strong, quick and possesses a ruthless streak in front of goal. If he's not scoring chances himself, he is creating chaos for his teammates to capitalize on. A great lad to work with, extremely loyal to both his club and university, which speaks volumes for his character too."

Najem, who earned 2016 PDL Creative Player of the Year honors after providing a league-high nine assists with the Michigan Bucks during the PDL regular season, is one of six players to start every game for Akron during the 2016 college campaign. The senior midfielder has scored five goals and provided five assists this fall, leading the Zips to a Mid-American Conference Championship title.

"I believe Adam is a technically- and tactically-gifted player, who has the ability to make great decisions, even under the most intense pressure," Bucks Head Coach Demir Muftari said. "His attitude is as impressive as his play - very driven to get the most out of himself and his teammates. I believe he will have a smooth transition into the next level, and expect him to have a long and prosperous career."

More than 20 scouts across North America provide the PDL with valuable insight on players who performed at the highest level within the league, possess strong technical and tactical qualities and have the potential to play at the professional level. The Top 10 Attackers, Top 10 Midfielders, Top 10 Goalkeepers and Top 10 Defenders lists rank PDL players based on these factors, as well as their performance for their respective universities during the 2016 college campaign.

TOP 10 MIDFIELDERS

1. Adam Najem - Akron - Michigan Bucks

2. Elijah Adekugbe - Trinity Western - Calgary Foothills FC

3. Jose Hernandez - UCLA - FC Golden State Force

4. Jorge Guinovart - Rio Grande - South Florida Surf

5. Arun Basuljevic - Georgetown - New York Red Bulls U23

6. Lucas Coutinho - Palm Beach Atlantic - South Florida Surf

7. Isaiah Madrid - Valparaiso - Albuquerque Sol F.C.

8. Miguel Jaime - Florida Gulf Coast - Ocean City Nor'easters

9. Joseph Holland - Hofstra - Ventura County Fusion

10. Aleksi Pahkasalo - Lindsey Wilson - Derby City Rovers

Honorable Mentions: Sergio Camargo - Syracuse - K-W United FC; Christopher Lema - Georgetown - New York Red Bulls U23; Bradley Dunwell - Wake Forest - Michigan Bucks; Josh Taylor - St. Edward's - OKC Energy U23; Martim Galvao - Pfeiffer - Ocean City Nor'easters

TOP 10 ATTACKERS

1. Dominic Russo - Calgary - Calgary Foothills FC

2. Corey Baird - Stanford - Burlingame Dragons FC

3. Mohamed Thiaw - Louisville - Portland Timbers U-23s

4. Nathan Regis - Pfeiffer - Ocean City Nor'easters

5. Russell Cicerone - Buffalo - Michigan Bucks

6. Jon Bakero - Wake Forest - FC Tucson

7. Hugo Delhommelle - Lander - Reading United AC

8. Riggs Lennon - Creighton - Lane United FC

9. Brandt Bronico - UNC-Charlotte - Carolina Dynamo

10. Daniel Musovski - UNLV - Burlingame Dragons FC

Honorable Mentions: Foster Langsdorf - Stanford - Portland Timbers U-23s; David Goldsmith - Butler - Michigan Bucks; Afonso Pinheiro - Albany - FC Tucson; Elvir Ibisevic - Omaha - Des Moines Menace; Guillermo Delgado - Delaware - Sounders FC U23; Ajeej Sarkaria - Alberta - Calgary Foothills FC

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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