Mark Brumbaugh
davidsonwildcats.com
Gabe Rivera
DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson men’s soccer freshman Gabe Rivera will have an exciting conclusion to his winter break, as he accepted an invitation to tryout for Puerto Rico’s Under-20 National Team, Jan. 13-16 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico team manager Rene Echevarria extended the invitation to Rivera after monitoring his rookie campaign at Davidson. Rivera appeared in all 19 games during the 2011 season, starting 11 at forward and scoring two goals.
“I feel it is a great opportunity both athletically and culturally to play for the team,” said Rivera. “I’m excited just to be given the chance and we’ll see what the Lord has in store and what will become of it.”
Rivera was born and raised in Durham, N.C. and attended Riverside High School, but his parents, Herbert and Sorelis Rivera, are natives of Puerto Rico, making him eligible for Puerto Rico’s team. The team will compete in FIFA U20 World Cup qualifiers and other tournaments in 2012.
“We are proud of Gabe, and for this opportunity for him,” said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. “It will be an exciting, learning experience. I am certain that Gabe will give his best effort, that he will gain valuable soccer insights, and that he will gain further appreciation for both the culture of Puerto Rico and for the truly global game of soccer.”
