TU's Mata Named Preseason All-American

Tulsa forward Cristian Mata was named to the College Soccer News Preseason All-America third team, as announced today by the same publication.

"It is great recognition for Cristian, as well as our soccer program, for the success last year," Head Coach Tom McIntosh said. "He is certainly deserving of the award. He scored 14 goals in the run of play, not on PK's or free kicks, and I don't know if there is anyone else in the country that can say that."

Mata, a sophomore from Tulsa, Okla., started in 19 of 20 games as a true freshman last season and led the Golden Hurricane in goals (14), assists (6) and points (34). He was named as the Conference USA Freshman of the Year, the C-USA Offensive Player of the Week twice, and was tabbed to the All-C-USA first team and C-USA All-Freshman Team. Mata was also selected to the CSN Team of the Week once, the Top Drawer Soccer Freshman Team of the Season and was tabbed to the NSCAA Midwest All-Region first team.