Men's Soccer Adds 2013 Oklahoma Gatorade Player Of The Year

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Men's Soccer Adds 2013 Oklahoma Gatorade Player Of The Year
Norman, Okla., Native Mauro Cichero Will Join The Mustangs' Roster In 2014

April 22, 2014

DALLAS (SMU) - 2013 Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year Mauro Cichero will join the Mustangs' squad for 2014, Head Coach Tim McClements announced on Tuesday. The Norman, Okla., native is rated as Oklahoma's top prospect from the 2014 graduating class.

Cichero comes to SMU from Norman North High School, one of the nation's top varsity soccer programs. As a junior, he scored 22 goals for a squad that finished the season with a 13-4 record and as the state runner-up. During his sophomore season he helped lead the team to a perfect 17-0 record and state championship, as well as a StudentSportsSoccer.com Spring FAB 50 No. 1 ranking.

Prior to his commitment to the Mustangs, the 6'3" attacker was also on StudentSportsSoccer.com's national list of Top 25 uncommitted seniors at No. 3.

Cichero spent much of his youth career playing in academies in Valencia, Spain, and comes from a long tradition of soccer. His father, Mauro Sr., played professionally in Italy, while his oldest brother, Alejandro, has played professionally in Portugal, Italy and China. Gabriel, another sibling of his, compiled 49 appearances for the Venezuelan National Team.

"Since moving from Spain, Mauro has become the dominant player in Oklahoma," McClements said. "Mauro is a wonderful young man that will positively contribute to the SMU student community and men's soccer program. We are thrilled to welcome Mauro to the SMU Soccer Family."

Cichero joins five incoming student-athletes and a pair of transfers eligible to play during the 2014 season. For information on the rest of the Mustangs' signing class follow the links (Freshmen|Transfers).

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Exciting news!

It's great to add some size and goal scoring.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

FYI, here is a video of a stunning playoff overtime game-winning goal Mauro scored a couple of weeks ago which many are calling the national high school goal of the year.

[horsemanx]

Wow, what a sweet goal!

[CoxMustangFan]

Wow! That was sick.

[Treadway21]

Nice. He definitely looks like a player and has a impressive background. 6'3" is great for a striker. Larry McPhail comes to mind.