BOCA RATON, Fla. – Lynn University’s men’s soccer staff, under the direction of head coach John Rootes, has been named the NCAA Division II South Region Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches (USC), as announced on Friday afternoon.
Rootes, with the help of assistant coaches Anthony Desperito and Brenton Dawson, has led the Fighting Knights to a 15-1-2 mark in 2019, securing both the regular season and postseason Sunshine State Conference (SSC) titles. Earning the top-seed in the South Region and first-round bye, the Blue and White have won their first two NCAA National Tournament matches over Queens (N.C.) and Florida Tech.
Now in his 12th season at the helm, Rootes boasts a 165-42-14 overall mark and 72-25-6 record in SSC play. In 2019, Lynn had five All-SSC selections, including Rodrigo Fernandez who was named Defensive Player of the Year, and three D2CCA All-Region award winners.
Lynn will continue its pursuit of a fourth NCAA National Championship, and sixth overall, on Saturday, Dec. 7 as it takes on Wingate in the South Region Championship at Bobby Campbell Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m.
About the Fighting Knights
Lynn University’s national champion Fighting Knights compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, softball, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and volleyball. The university’s 19 intercollegiate teams are home to nearly 300 student athletes. Lynn is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution and winner of 25 national championships and 45 Sunshine State Conference titles. Representing spirit, service and strength, the Fighting Knights strive for greatness through athletic performance and academic excellence. For more information, visit: lynnfightingknights.com.
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