Prendergast Tabbed by USL's Rochester Rhinos

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – SU defender Ezra Prendergast (Kingston, Jamaica) was selected with the 23rd pick in the United Soccer League’s (USL) First Division Collegiate Draft by the Rochester Rhinos last week. The selection capped quite a week for Prendergast, who was also chosen by the Chicago Fire in the 2006 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft.

Prendergast garnered 2005 All-BIG EAST and NSCAA All-New York Region second-team honors in his final SU campaign. He was a third-team all-region honoree in 2004. Last season Prendergast helped the Orange to the BIG EAST Championship for the first time since 2000. He anchored an SU backline that contributed to six shutouts and posted the fifth-lowest goals-against average in team history (0.89).

On offense, Prendergast chipped in two goals and an assist in two seasons for a total of five points. He competed in 34 matches in his career with 29 starts. Against nationally-ranked Cincinnati on Oct. 15, 2005, he set the school record for the fastest goal ever to start a game, scoring 57 seconds into the match.

Prendergast is the third Orange standout to be selected by the Rhinos since 2001. Rochester used the 14^th pick in the 2001 draft to select Mario Cristofori. The following year the Rhinos picked John Andrade with the 58^th overall selection.

Rochester used its two first-round picks in the 2006 draft to select Danny Kramer of the Duke and Jason Sousa of Plattsburgh before choosing Prendergast in the second round.

The Rhinos’ preseason workouts will commence in Cary, N.C. on Sunday, March 26. Rochester begins its regular season with seven road games leading up to the opening of PAETEC Park on June 3, when it hosts the Virginia Beach Mariners.

Syracuse University Athletics

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