Men's soccer adds junior college transfer

BELLEVUE, Neb. -- Bellevue University men's soccer coach Matt Briggs announced today the signing of Vinicius Braga (São Paulo, Brazil/Barton County CC/Colégio Elias Zarzur). Braga will begin his academic and athletic careers at BU beginning this fall.

"We are very excited to have signed Vinicius to play for us over the next two seasons," said Briggs. "Vinny is a fantastic left sided player who brings plenty of quality when going forward while also being very disciplined with his defensive duties."

The son of Valeria and Jose, Braga played two seasons at Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kan.

He scored six goals and added four assists last season as he was named the Player of the Week three times.

"Vinny comes from Barton County Community College where he received fantastic coaching from Oliver Twelve-Trees and where he also attained his associates degree, so not only does he excel on the pitch but also in the classroom," added Briggs. "We couldn't be happier to sign such a good player and he will only add quality and competition to an ever-growing squad."

Braga joins earlier signees Abel Alvarado (Omaha, Neb.), Bryant Bustamante (Omaha, Neb.) Favian Herrera (Omaha, Neb.) Agustin Escobar (Medellin, Colombia), Scott Robertson (Burnley, England), Emiliano Jacinto (Omaha, Neb.), David Goolsby (Bellevue, Neb), Jack Coles (Cardiff, Wales), Lee Willmore (Norfolk, England), Jake Williams (Hale, England) and Ben Martin (Lincolnshire, England) in this year's recruiting class. 

Bellevue ended the 2012 season with a 10-8-1 overall record. The Bruins finished second in the MCAC regular season standings with a 5-1 conference mark and also placed second in the MCAC Tournament to No. 3-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University.