Valparaiso men’s soccer head coach Mike Avery announced today that Jose Renato Pecego, a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has signed a National Letter of Intent and will suit up for the Crusaders beginning in 2008.  Pecego is the tenth member of Valpo’s incoming 2008 class, which is now comprised of seven freshmen and three juniors.

“Jose is another terrific addition for us,” said Avery.  “We benefited from Jose being an exchange student and therefore a little under the radar in very good Dallas area soccer scene.  We’ve landed a soccer talent with great technique, good size and strength, and a very high soccer IQ.”

Pecego, a talented left-footed attacking player, has spent two years at The Highlands School in Irving, TX as an exchange student, excelling on the soccer field and in the classroom.  In just two seasons with the Blazers, he compiled 68 goals and 22 assists and twice earned First Team All-State honors.  Also a two-time District Offensive MVP, Pecego served as team captain his senior year.  In the classroom, Pecego is on track to be class valedictorian and was twice named an Academic All-State honoree.

“Though not the fastest player on the field, Jose gets in great positions, can hold the ball up as the high striker, and can finish as well as play others into dangerous attacking situations,” said Avery.  “Given what we have returning, and what we have recently acquired, Jose is a great finishing touch to the 2008 recruiting effort.  Most importantly, though, we have added another mature, character-driven individual into our mix.  You don’t have the success – in soccer and in academics – that Jose has had without possessing great work ethic. He’s a great fit for Valparaiso University, and I am excited he has agreed to join our family.”