Jason Cascio (Gilbert, Ariz.) and John Fishbaugher (Redmond, Wash.), four-year members of the Seattle University men's soccer program who accumulated numerous team and individual honors, have been signed by the Seattle Sounders, the defending champions in the First Division of the United Soccer League (USL-1), for the 2008 season.
Cascio and Fishbaugher were two major players for the SU men's soccer team over the past four seasons, leading the Redhawks to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2004 national championship and the 2006 Far West Region title. They helped Seattle University to a 62-17-3 record (.774) and four straight GNAC titles.
After playing in the back during his first two seasons, Cascio moved up to forward in 2006 and responded with 16 goals, earning GNAC Player of the Year and first team all-region honors. After a slow start last season, Cascio picked things up, finishing with 13 goals and three assists for 29 total points, once again earning first team all-GNAC and first team all-region honors. He finished his SU career fifth on the all-time goals list with 31 and seventh on the all-time points list with 71.
A stalwart in the Redhawk midfield throughout his career, Fishbaugher scored four goals and tallied four assists in 2007, earning NSCAA first team All-American honors. Fishbaugher was a leader both on the field and in the classroom, earning Academic All-GNAC honors three times as well as ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District recognition this past year.
Cascio and Fishbaugher are the only two professional rookies on this year's Sounders roster, which returns 16 players, including all 11 starters, from the 2007 team that won the USL First Division championship.
"They're good soccer players. They're young, great athletes, and were trained very well at Seattle University," Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said. "We're very excited to have Jason and John with us for the 2008 season."
The Seattle Sounders begin their 2008 season this Saturday, April 19, at Charleston, with the home opener coming on May 10 against Portland at Qwest Field. For more information on the Seattle Sounders, go to www.seattlesounders.net.