Aug. 30, 2006

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU freshman defender Leone Cruz (Round Rock, Texas) has been selected as Soccer America Men's Player of the Week after scoring both game-winning goals in the No. 2 Mustangs' 1-0 victories over Wisconsin and then-ranked Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Tulsa's Great Western Downtown Plaza/Golden Hurricane Classic.

Cruz, who played for FC Texas, came off the bench to connect from 20 yards in overtime against Wisconsin and from 10 yards in the 84th minute against Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  He was also selected as this week's Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league on Monday. He shares the honor with Kentucky's Riley O'Neill. SMU earned the Golden Hurricane Classic title and Cruz was named MVP of his first collegiate tournament.

In addition, Cruz was named to the College Soccer News.com National Team of the week (http://www.collegesoccernews.com/index_files/page0102.htm)