The Brigade Men’s PDL team have confirmed today that Midfielder Frankie Alesci tore his ACL while playing against the OC Blue Star on July 8th and has since returned home to New York.

 Alesci was recruited from Long Island University (LIU) and as a freshman he led all LIU players in minutes played during the past season, led his team in shots (37) and was 2nd in scoring with four goals and one assist. Further, he was named First Team All-Northeast Conference Selection, only freshman to be honored on NEC First Division. Alesci was in his second season of play with the Brigade and over the two seasons he played in 24 games, tallied a total of 1,569 minutes played with one goal and one assist.

 “Losing Frankie is very disappointing and to lose any player to an injury of this nature is really unlucky,” stated Brigade Vice President and General Manager Joe Jimenez. “Frankie’s in great shape and will certainly recover from this injury quickly, we look forward to hearing about his future success at LIU and hope he will return to play for the Brigade in 2008,” added Jimenez

 The Brigade (6-9-0) faced the Fresno Fuego (9-4-2) this past Saturday in Fresno and lost by a score of 2-4. Next the Brigade will take on the So. Cal. Seahorses (4-6-4) on Saturday July 21st in La Mirada with a kick off time of 7:30pm.  For more information please visit: http://www.bakersfieldbrigade.com or call 410-KICK.