Carlos Rocha (2001)

Few could argue about Rocha being one of CCRI’s all-time best men’s soccer players.  The Lisbon, Portugal native was one of 25 players chosen for the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Men’s Soccer Team of the Century for his accomplishments at CCRI, at Southern Connecticut State University and on professional teams.  The striker had a spectacular season at CCRI in 1993.  He was chosen for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America second-team, NJCAA All-American honorable mention squad, All-Region first-team, Colonial States Athletic Conference first-team and was the team’s co-MVP.  At Southern Connecticut State University, Rocha was an integral part of their 1995 NCAA Division II national championship team.  Professionally, Rocha played for the R.I. Stingrays, New England Revolution, second-division teams in Boston, Portugal, England and a first-division team in Ireland; the pinnacle of professional soccer.