Braga becomes latest Cougar to sign at next level

Barton Community College men's soccer player Vinicius Braga became the latest Cougar from the 2012 Region VI Championship team to commit to play at the next level, signing with Bellevue University of Bellevue, Nebraska.

The Sao Paulo, Brazil, native scored six goals and four assists over his two years and was named the conference player of the week three times. Braga helped lead the Cougars to a No. 6 national ranking falling in the District Championship to finish at 16-3-1 on the season. Along the way Braga helped the Cougars capture its fifth Region VI title while earning first team All-Conference, All-Region VI, and third team NJCAA Division I All-American status.

Bellevue University men's soccer coach Matt Briggs announced today the signing of Vinicius Braga (São Paulo, Brazil/Barton County CC/Colégio Elias Zarzur). Braga will begin his academic and athletic careers at BU beginning this fall.

"We are very excited to have signed Vinicius to play for us over the next two seasons," said Briggs via the Bellevue University website. "Vinny is a fantastic left sided player who brings plenty of quality when going forward while also being very disciplined with his defensive duties."

"Vinny comes from Barton Community College where he received fantastic coaching from Oliver Twelvetrees and where he also attained his associates degree, so not only does he excel on the pitch but also in the classroom," added Briggs. "We couldn't be happier to sign such a good player and he will only add quality and competition to an ever-growing squad."