“I am really excited to begin the next stage of my career with a fantastic organization like the Portland Timbers,” stated Cicerone. “I’m ready to work hard and make all those who have supported me throughout my career proud.”
Cicerone closed out his impressive UB career with his best season in 2016 as the Bloomfield Hills, MI native netted a career-high 14 goals, nine assists and 37 points as he led the MAC in all goals and points. The 37 points are the highest point total in program history since 1998 when Steve Butcher netted a program record 43 points. He closed out the season ranked fourth in the NCAA in points (37), seventh in goals (14) and 13th in assists (9)
The captain also earned First-Team All-MAC accolades for the fourth consecutive season, becoming the first player in UB history and third in MAC history to do so. Cicerone became just the second UB player in program history to earn MAC Player of the Year honors following his junior season but didn’t receive the same recognition this past season despite leading the MAC in scoring by six goals and 16 points.
The lethal scorer etched his name all over the UB record books as he was able to start all 71 matches he appeared in during his career for the blue and white. He wrapped up his four-year career ranked first in career assists (22), second in goals (42) and second in points (106) while also ranking third in MAC history in goals and points. Cicerone is just the third player in MAC history to surpass the 100-point plateau for his career.
Cicerone capped his great Buffalo career ranking second in career goals (42), second in career points (106), fifth in points/game (1.49), sixth in goals/game (0.59), 13th in career assists (22) and 15th in assists/game (0.31), among active NCAA Division I athletes for a career.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Russell for being the first UB player drafted into the MLS,” said UB Director of Athletics Allen Greene. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and we want to offer our congratulations to Russell and his entire family. We can’t wait to watch him continue his career at the next level.”
The Bulls concluded their 2016 campaign with a 12-4-3 overall record while earning a spot in the MAC Championship match in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history. The 12 wins for UB are tied for the third most in program history and the most in a season since 2008 when the Bulls went 12-4-4.
Cicerone becomes the first former Bull to be drafted into the MLS while former UB keeper Bobby Shuttleworth (2006-08) has made 127 career appearances between the pipes for the New England Revolution over the past seven seasons after signing a professional contract.
The Portland Timbers franchise was founded in 2009 and they play at Providence Park, a 21,000-seat stadium, in Portland, Oregon. The Timbers just missed the playoffs last season as they closed out the season with a 12-14-8 record while going 12-3-2 at home.
from UBBulls.com via IFTTT
