(Story courtesy of Trinity University Sports Information)
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Former Trinity Tigers men’s soccer goalkeeper Matt Cardone is a member of the San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League.
Cardone signed with his hometown team last April, after a stint as a trialist with Major League Soccer’s Orlando (FL) City Soccer Club. The Scorpions, who play their home matches at Toyota Field, currently stand at 2-2-4 in the NASL, and are tied for eighth place. San Antonio emerged as the 2014 NASL Soccer Bowl champion.
Following the 2014 campaign, Cardone was elected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Men’s All-America First Team. It marked the second time Cardone earned All-America honors, as he had also been selected for the First Team in 2012.
During Trinity’s 2014 season, Cardone posted 79 saves and yielded only 14 goals during his 25 games at the net. Cardone’s 0.63 goals-against average was ranked 31st of 200 players in the NCAA, while his save percentage of 0.85 held a No. 32 ranking. He also recorded eight solo shutouts during the year.
Trinity, led by head Coach Paul McGinlay, finished the season with a school record-tying 24 wins. The Tigers recorded a 24-2-0 overall mark. Trinity captured its third consecutive Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship, and the 17th overall. The Tigers advanced to the NCAA Playoffs for the 13th straight year, and 18th in the past 19 seasons. Coach McGinlay’s squad fought its way to the quarterfinals for the second straight time, and ninth in Trinity history.