Bellevue University men's soccer coach Matt Briggs announced today the signing of Emiliano Jacinto (Omaha, Neb./South HS) to the 2013 recruiting class. Jacinto will begin his academic and athletic careers at BU beginning this fall.
Jacinto, the son of J. Guadalupe and Deborah Jacinto, lettered in soccer under head coach Joseph Maass at Omaha South High School where he helped lead the Packers to two Nebraska State Tournament semifinal appearances.
He was also a three-year letterwinner in cross country.
"I have worked with Emiliano in youth soccer for four years and have seen him develop into a tremendous player," said Briggs. "Emiliano has every quality you look for in a wide player: pace, the ability to go past players, great delivery, confidence in front of goal, good link up play and a great attitude when defending." "
An excellent student, Jacinto was a member of his school's Honor Roll as well as the recipient of the 2013 Hispanic Academic Challengers of Excellence Award. Jacinto was also named Homecoming King during his senior year.
He played club soccer for NFC Blue 94/95 under coach Paul Harvey, helping guide his team to the championship game of the U18 state tournament in 2012.
"Emiliano is a top signing for us and we could not be happier to have him come and play at Bellevue University," added Briggs. "On top of all his footballing qualities, he is a great young man from a fantastic family."
Jacinto joins earlier signees David Goolsby (Bellevue, Neb), Jack Coles (Cardiff, Wales), Lee Willmore (Norfolk, England), Jake Williams (Hale, England) and Ben Martin (Lincolnshire, England) in this year's recruiting class.
Bellevue ended the 2012 season with a 10-8-1 overall record. The Bruins finished second in the MCAC regular season standings with a 5-1 conference mark and also placed second in the MCAC Tournament to No. 3-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
