FORT MYERS, Fla. – Erika Zschuppe And Kendal Gargiula of the Florida Gulf Coast University women’s soccer team were named to TopDrawerSoccer’s Preseason Top 100 list.
Zschuppe, the 2023 Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament MVP and 2024 preseason Midfielder of the Year, landed at No. 61 overall. Gargiula rounded out TopDrawerSoccer’s rankings by securing the final spot at No. 100. FGCU is the only ASUN member with at least one representative on the list.
“I am pleased that both are being recognized and honoring our program,” said head coach Jim Blankenship said. “Both have been fantastic ambassadors on and off the pitch and of course we are starting the new season with high expectations.”
Zschuppe scored the infamous hat trick in the 2023 ASUN championship game, sparking the Eagles’ comeback against North Alabama. The Ohio native scored all three goals in just 14 minutes. Zschuppe had 10 goals and 8 assists for 28 points last season, making her the team’s best player. She finished second in the ASUN in total goals but first in total points. The junior scored three game-winning goals, including against rivals South Florida and FIU. She also made SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays with a crossover goal off the post.
Gargiula had eight goals and three assists for 19 points a year ago. The North Fort Myers native finished second on the team in total goals, behind only Zschuppe, but he led the Eagles in scoring with four game-winning goals — including a game-winner in the ASUN semifinals against Central Arkansas that also made ESPN SportsCenter’s top 10.
FGCU opens the 2024 season at home against FIU on Thursday. Kickoff at Pickering Field is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. HERE or at the entrance. Individual tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for military and youth (ages 4-12). Tickets start at $6 for groups of 10 or more. FGCU students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a valid Eagle ID.
Two of the best in the country@TopDrawerSoccer‘s preseason top 100 list ⤵️
No. 61 Zschuppe
No. 100 Gargiula #WingsHigh pic.twitter.com/Ta4bsTq9nU— FGCU Women’s Soccer (@FGCU_WSoccer) 14 August 2024
