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Cardinal Roster
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Cardinal Statistics
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Cardinal Schedule
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MIAC Standings
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MIAC Statistics
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| 2005 Final Records: 5-5-0 MIAC, 6-9-1 Overall |
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Eric Luzzi
Accepts position at No. Illinois |
Luzzi stepped down as the head coach of the Saint Mary's University men's soccer team to accept a position as the top assistant coach at NCAA Division I Northern Illinois, it was announced Tuesday.
"This was an opportunity presented to me that I felt I couldn't turn down," said Luzzi, who spent five seasons as the Cardinals' head coach, compiling a 21-39-8 record, including a 6-9-1 overall mark in 2005. "(Steve Simmons) is doing an amazing job (as Northern Illinois' head coach) and I know I will learn a lot from him."
"Coach Luzzi has done an excellent job with the SMU men's soccer program," said SMU athletic director Nikki Fennern, who noted that a national search for Luzzi's successor will begin immediately. "I am sad to see him go, but wish him the best of luck in his new position.
"I know and appreciate that Eric, as an SMU alumnus, will continue to support Cardinal soccer and the rest of the SMU athletic programs."
Luzzi, a four-year letterwinner and starting goalkeeper during his playing days at Saint Mary's from 1993-1997, admitted that, while the move is a step in the right direction in terms of his coaching career, the decision to leave Saint Mary's was not an easy one.
"Obviously, this was a very difficult decision for me," Luzzi said. "With a great group of players returning and a solid recruiting class, I was really looking forward to the upcoming season. But one of the main attractions (to the job at Northern Illinois) was the chance for me to get back home to the Chicago area.
"I owe Saint Mary's a lot," added Luzzi. "They took a chance on me and gave me my first collegiate coaching job, and that is something I will never forget. I wish the team and everyone at Saint Mary's nothing but the best in the future."