Providence's Julian Gressel was named the MLS Rookie of the Year.
(Courtesy of Providence Athletic Communications)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Former Providence men’s soccer standout, Julian Gressel, was named Major League Soccer’s AT&T Rookie of the Year. The league announced on Nov. 8 that the Atlanta United star received 54-percent of votes for the award, dominating the player, media and club votes.
Gressel, who was drafted eighth overall in the MLS SuperDraft last year, appeared in 32 games and made 24 starts this season. The midfielder scored five goals and added nine assists in his debut campaign. His nine assists are the third most in MLS history by a rookie.
Gressel ranks third all-time at Providence in career goals (30) and career points (86). He is second in career assists with 26. Fifteen of his goals came during his senior campaign, when he led the Friars to their first-ever BIG EAST Regular Season Championship and the NCAA Elite Eight.
As a senior, he was one of 15 players to be named a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Additionally, Gressel was named the BIG EAST Co-Offensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-BIG EAST First Team Selection. He was the fifth Friar to earn All-America recognition, being named a First Team All-American.