Puranen and Gargaro Pick Up Atlantic 10 Preseason Honors

July 1, 2009

2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Soccer Preseason All-Conference Team

Puranen, a 2008 NSCAA All-Region selection, finished his rookie campaign as Rhode Island's leading scorer with 18 points on nine goals. He appeared in 18-of-19 matches for URI, making 10 starts and recording three multiple-goal games (against Albany, Richmond and Dayton) while tallying a pair of overtime game-winners.

Puranen also was named to the 2008 Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team as well as the league's All-Rookie squad and All-Championship team.

A four-year starter and who played both forward and back at Neuqua Valley High School, Gargaro captained his conference champion team which was ranked #1 in Illinois - as well as in the Midwest Region - and #5 in the nation. He was a starting defender for the nationally-recognized Chicago Magic USSF Academy where he helped lead his teams to four USYSA Illinois state titles and two USYSA National Championship appearances. He also was an Illinois Olympic Development Program regional team selection and was invited to the Super Y National Training Camp.

The Rhode Island men's soccer will face in-state rival Providence College in an exhibition match on Aug. 26 before kicking off the 2009 regular season at home against defending Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) champion Boston College (Sept. 1).