Indiana University Athletics
Nguyen, Chirico Sign Professional Contracts
2/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Feb. 7, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Former Hoosiers Lee Nguyen and Jordan Chirico both signed professional contracts in the past month. Nguyen, the 2005 Soccer America and Soccer Times National Freshman of the Year, signed with the top team in Holland, PSV Eindhoven. Chirico, a midfielder on the Hoosiers' 2003 and 2004 national championship teams, signed with the Rochester Raging Rhinos of the United Soccer League First Division.
"We are happy for both Lee and Jordan that they have the opportunity to play professionally," Indiana head coach Mike Freitag said. "It is exciting to see that six players from our team this past season will be playing professionally. I feel as though it speaks volumes toward not only our program, but to the character and work ethic of these players."
Nguyen signed a three-and-half year deal. He joins U.S. National Team player DeMarcus Beasley, who is a starter in the midfield for PSV. Nguyen had two trials over in Holland with the defending Eredivisie champions before signing with PSV.
In just one season at Indiana, Nguyen made his mark as he established a new freshman record for assists in a single season with 12. He eclipsed the mark of current assistant coach and Major League Soccer veteran Todd Yeagley. Nguyen finished the season with five goals and 12 assists for 22 points. He was the only freshman named first team All-Big Ten. One of only two freshmen nationally, Nguyen garnered first team NSCAA All-Region. He also became the eighth Hoosier to garner Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.
Chirico started all 22 matches in the midfield during the 2005 campaign. During his four-year Hoosier career, the Conesus, N.Y., native played in 80 matches and made 41 starts with 22 points on seven goals and eight assists. Chirico nabbed fifth team honors on Top Drawer Soccer's National Teams of the Season.
Nguyen and Chirico became the fifth and sixth Hoosiers to move to the professional ranks. Jed Zayner, Brian Plotkin, Jacob Peterson and Mike Ambersley heard their names called at the 2006 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. The Columbus Crew took Zayner 13th overall in the second round. The Chicago Fire selected Plotkin in the second round with the 20th overall pick, and the Colorado Rapids chose Peterson with the 21st selection. FC Dallas picked Ambersley (43rd overall) in fourth-round choice.
