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Leone Cruz | Quick Profile & Achievements

Leone Cruz is a highly decorated defender known for his physical presence and leadership. He was a key figure for the SMU Mustangs before playing professionally in the MLS and NASL.

 

Key Personal Stats

  • Position: Defender (Center Back)

     

  • Hometown: Round Rock, Texas

     

  • Pro Teams: Real Salt Lake (MLS), San Antonio Scorpions (NASL), Austin Aztex (USL)

     

  • College: Southern Methodist University (SMU)

     

Major Career Achievements

Professional Highlights

  • MLS SuperDraft Pick: Selected 21st overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Seattle Sounders.

     

  • NASL Champion: Won the Soccer Bowl championship with the San Antonio Scorpions in 2014.

     

  • Multi-Time PDL Champion: Won two USL Premier Development League National Championships (2007 with Laredo Heat and 2013 with Austin Aztex).

     

  • MLS Experience: Signed with Real Salt Lake in 2012 and featured in the MLS Reserve League for both RSL and FC Dallas.

     

Collegiate Honors (SMU)

  • NCAA Elite Eight: Anchored the defense that led the Mustangs to the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2010.

     

  • Conference USA Honors: Named to the C-USA Second Team twice (2008, 2010) and the All-Freshman Team (2006).

     

  • Regional Recognition: Earned NSCAA All-Midwest Regional Second Team honors in 2010.

     

  • National Spotlight: Featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd" (Sept. 2006) after scoring back-to-back game-winning goals.

     

Youth & International

  • U.S. National Team Pool: Represented the United States at the U-15, U-16, and U-18 youth national team levels.

     

  • NSCAA All-American: Earned high school All-America honors before joining the collegiate ranks.

     

  • Academic Success: Completed his degree in Economics at SMU in 2011 while pursuing his professional career.

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Bruno Guarda | Quick Profile & Achievements

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Bruno Guarda is a Brazilian-born midfielder recognized for his standout collegiate career at SMU and his professional tenure in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Key Personal Stats

  • Position: Midfielder

  • Hometown: Piracicaba, Brazil

  • Pro Teams: FC Dallas (MLS), Dallas Sidekicks (MASL)

  • College: Southern Methodist University (SMU)

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Major Career Achievements

Professional Highlights

  • MLS Cup Finalist: Reached the championship game with FC Dallas in 2010.

  • Professional Debut: Made his first MLS appearance in August 2008 against Toronto FC.

  • Goal Scorer: Noted for a memorable first professional goal against the Chicago Fire in 2008.

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Collegiate Honors (SMU)

  • Hermann Trophy Semifinalist: Twice named a top candidate for the "Heisman of Soccer" (2006, 2007).

  • C-USA Player of the Year: Won the award in back-to-back years (2006, 2007).

  • All-American: Earned NSCAA All-America honors in 2006.

  • Offensive Leader: Led SMU in goals, assists, and game-winning goals during his final season.

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Youth & Coaching

  • Dallas Cup Champion: Won the prestigious international youth tournament in 2003.

  • Transition to Coaching: Holds coaching credentials from the Santos Academy (Brazil) and has coached at the collegiate level (UA Rich Mountain).

Jermaine Taylor | Quick Profile & Achievements

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Jermaine Taylor is a prolific Jamaican international defender known for his longevity, versatility across the backline, and significant veteran presence in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the USL.

 

Key Personal Stats

  • Position: Defender (Center Back / Fullback)

     

  • Hometown: Portland, Jamaica

     

  • Pro Teams: Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers, Minnesota United (MLS); Austin Bold (USL); Harbour View, St. George's (Jamaica)

     

  • Status: Retired (as of 2021)

     

Major Career Achievements

International Highlights (Jamaica)

  • Centurion Status: Amassed over 100 caps for the Jamaica National Team (Reggae Boyz), becoming one of the most capped players in the nation's history.

  • CONCACAF Gold Cup Runner-up: Played a vital role in Jamaica’s historic back-to-back runs to the Gold Cup Final in 2015 and 2017.

     

  • Gold Cup Best XI: Named to the Tournament Best XI in 2017 for his defensive performances.

     

  • Caribbean Cup Champion: Won the regional title with Jamaica in 2010.

     

Professional Highlights (USA & Jamaica)

  • MLS Cup Finalist: Reached back-to-back MLS Cup Finals with the Houston Dynamo in 2011 and 2012.

     

  • Century Club: Made over 100 appearances for the Houston Dynamo during his five-season tenure.

     

  • National Premier League Champion: Won the Jamaican top-flight title with Harbour View (2007) and Tivoli Gardens (2009).

  • CFU Club Championship: Won the Caribbean club title with Harbour View in 2004.

     

  • USL Leadership: Served as a veteran captain and anchor for Austin Bold FC during their inaugural seasons (2019–2021).

Key Attributes

  • Versatility: Highly regarded for his ability to play at a high level as both a center back and a left/right back.

     

  • Durability: Known for maintaining peak fitness well into his late 30s, concluding his professional career with nearly two decades of senior-level play.

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