FORT MYERS, Fla. – Erika Zschuppe and Kendal Gargiula from Florida Gulf Coast University women's soccer have been named to TopDrawerSoccer's Preseason Top 100 List.
Zschuppe, the 2023 Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament MVP and 2024 Preseason Midfielder of the Year, came in at No. 61 overall. Gargiula rounded out the TopDrawerSoccer's rankings list by claiming the final spot at No. 100. FGCU is the only ASUN member with at lease one representative on the list.
"Excited for both of them to be recognized and honor our program," head coach Jim Blankenship said. "Both have been fantastic ambassadors on and off the field, and obviously, as we start the new season comes with high expectations."
Zschuppe scored the infamous hat trick in the 2023 ASUN Championship match to spark the Eagles' come-from-behind victory match over North Alabama. The Ohio native scored all three goals in just 14 minutes. Zschuppe recorded a team-leading 10 goals and eight assists a season ago, worth 28 points. She emerged second in the ASUN in total goals, but first in overall points. The junior produced three game-winners, including against in-state rivals South Florida and FIU. She also cracked SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays with a crossover goal off the post.
Gargiula scored eight goals and tallied three assists, 19 total points, a year ago. The now junior from North Fort Myers emerged second on the team in total goals, trailing only Zschuppe, but paced the Eagles with four game-winners – including a game-winner in the ASUN Semifinals against Central Arkansas that also made ESPN SportsCenter's Top 10.
FGCU opens the 2024 season Thursday at home against FIU. Kickoff at Pickering Field is set for 7 p.m. For tickets, purchase online HERE or at the gate. Single-game tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for military and youth (ages 4-12). For groups of 10 or more, tickets start at $6. FGCU students, faculty and staff are free with a valid Eagle I.D.
