Lucio Named XSL Offensive Player of the Month
February 4, 2009 - Xtreme Soccer League (XSL)
New Jersey Ironmen News Release
Newark, N.J. (Wednesday, February 4, 2009) - The New Jersey Ironmen were notified today that second-year standout Lucio Gonzaga has been named the Xtreme Soccer League Offensive Player of the Month for the month of January. The accolades come after the Brazilian midfielder registered an impressive 28 points in only six matches over the previous month.
"A good offensive player is someone who can get up and down the field in transition while creating man-up advantages," Ironmen Head Coach Omid Namazi remarked. "Lucio is a player that not only has that type of pace, but also has the vision to create scoring opportunities."
Lucio is the current leader of the XSL with 30 points, and he has nailed a league-leading six triples on the season. Only two players in the entire XSL have tallied more than 18 points this season so far, something Lucio did in a matter of three days. In what was a lights-out weekend in early January, the Brazilian playmaker tallied 18 points in two home wins for New Jersey at Prudential Center.
"The entire time that I am on the field, I am always looking for opportunities," Lucio commented after receiving the news of his award. "I practice different shots everyday at training: on the inside of my foot, on the laces or with a bouncing ball. Then I wait for the right moment in games, and I can strike the ball at the right time at the right spot."
Lucio spent his rookie season with the Baltimore Blast last year, and he was a key contributor to their championship squad. He registered five postseason goals and a pair of assists in the playoffs for a total of 12 points. In the 2007-08 regular season, he tallied 37 points on 15 goals (3 three-pointers, 12 two-pointers) and four assists in 21 games, and he recorded his first indoor knock in only his second career match. He proved to strike when it mattered as well, hitting three game-winning goals.
The New Jersey Ironmen are partnering with the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League this Sunday when they host the Chicago Storm at Prudential Center in Newark. Following the Ironmen match at 1:00, the Titans will host the Philadelphia Wings at 7:00 p.m., and Ironmen fans can see both games for only $20. For details on that special Indoor 2-Pack Offer, call 1-800-IRONMEN today!
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Xtreme Soccer League Stories from February 4, 2009
- Lucio Named XSL Offensive Player of the Month - New Jersey Ironmen
- XSL Weekly Update - XSL
- Danny Waltman Named XSL Goalkeeper of the Month - Detroit Ignition
- Dusosky is XSL Defensive Player of the Month - Milwaukee Wave
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