Three members of the Stetson men's soccer program are set to represent Puerto Rico at the UEFA-CONMEBOL Development Cup in Paraguay from June 1-7. Head Coach Emmett Rutkowski and former goalkeeper Owen Jack will serve as assistant coaches for the U-16 Men's National Team. Additionally, current assistant coach Eduardo Jimenez will assist the senior national team in a friendly match against Saudi Arabia on June 5. This engagement underscores Stetson Soccer's growing influence in international youth development and the commitment to strengthening soccer in Puerto Rico.

By the Numbers
  • The U-16 Men's National Team will compete against Bolivia, Greece, and Paraguay in the Development Cup.
  • Eduardo Jimenez is currently the Sporting Director and Director of Scouting for the Puerto Rican Federation.
State of Play
  • Stetson Soccer’s coaching staff is increasingly involved with the Puerto Rican Soccer Federation.
  • The Development Cup aims to provide international exposure and development for youth teams from South America and Europe.
What's Next

Following the Development Cup, Rutkowski and Jack will likely bring back valuable coaching experiences to enhance their collegiate program. Jimenez's involvement with the senior national team may lead to further collaborations or competitive fixtures that could elevate the standard of Puerto Rican soccer.

Bottom Line

The participation of Stetson coaches in international competitions not only fosters player development but also expands the university's reputation in the global soccer landscape. This collaboration with Puerto Rican soccer signifies a crucial step toward nurturing and advancing local talent on the world stage.