BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Delta State University Men's Soccer Senior Defender
Santiago Rossi has been selected as a Preseason All-Gulf South Conference Defender, as the Statesmen were picked seventh in the Preseason Coaches' Poll with 53 points, announced this morning by the Conference office.
Rossi is the first Statesmen to earn Preseason All-GSC honors since Tom Toulson earned Preseason All-GSC honors as a midfielder in 2022.
Rossi, a 2024 second team All-GSC defender, played and started in 16 games logging 1,451 at the Center back position for a Statesmen defense that only allowed 1.29 goals per game in the 2024 season.
As a defender, Rossi scored four goals including one game winner at the 84
th minute against UAH last season at Delta Field.
The Statesmen kick off their 2025 preseason this afternoon with a scrimmage against Hinds Community College at 5:30 p.m. at Delta Field. Their 2025 regular season kicks off with a two-game road trip to South Texas as they take on the Hilltoppers of St. Edward's on Thursday September 4. DSU will finish the road trip in Laredo as they will take on the Dustdevils from Texas A&M International
2025 Preseason All-GSC Team
GK – Cole Turner, Mississippi College
D – Jamie Ward, Auburn Montgomery
D – AJ Agbede, Christian Brothers
D –
Santiago Rossi, Delta State
D – Sebastian Flores, Montevallo
D – Abdul Kamara, West Alabama
D – Gage Sorey, Mississippi College
M – Sean Keane, Auburn Montgomery
M – Sergio Garrido, Mississippi College
M – Olaf Kramer, Christian Brothers
M – Ronny Wakelin, West Alabama
F – Lewis Matton, Mississippi College
F – Benjamin Hoffmann, Auburn Montgomery
F – Alexander Blanche, Christian Brothers
F – Oli Orzechowski, UAH
2025 GSC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll
1. West Florida (8) – 117
2. Auburn Montgomery (2) – 106
3. Christian Brothers (2) – 105
4. Mississippi College – 81
5. Lee – 71
6. West Alabama – 67
7. Delta State – 53
t8. Trevecca Nazarene – 46
t8. Montevallo – 48
10. UAH – 41
11. Spring Hill – 33
12. Union – 22
