SAN DIEGO – André Puente of the San Diego State men’s soccer team was named a NCAA Division I Defender to Watch by the United Soccer Coaches, one of 16 players in the nation highlighted.
Puente (Chihuahua, Mexico), a graduate transfer from Long Island University, has been an All-NEC First Team selection each of the past three seasons and made the All-Northeast Region Team the last two seasons.
“André is one of the top returning center backs in the country,” Head coach Ryan Hopkins said. “He brings bravery, positional awareness and toughness that will continue to make our defense one of the best in the country.”
Puente started all 62 matches he appeared in at Long Island while averaging 91 minutes per match over that span and helping his school win two NEC championships. During his time at Long Island, he tallied 25 points with 11 goals and three assists.
The Aztecs, who will be competing in the WAC as an affiliate member in 2024, kick off their season August 23 when they host UC Riverside.