University of Connecticut Athletics
2000 National Championship Team Honored
9/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 13, 2010
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Presentation at Football Game Photo Gallery
STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut honored the 2000 NCAA men's soccer National Championship team at numerous events this past weekend to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Huskies' remarkable run to winning the 2000 NCAA National Championship title.
The team was honored on Friday, Sept. 10 at the men's soccer team's annual Meet the Huskies Banquet before being recognized between the first and second quarters of the UConn football game on Sept. 11 against Texas Southern at Rentschler Field.
On Saturday night, the 2000 team was honored at halftime of the UConn men's soccer game against nationally-ranked Harvard.
The reunion weekend concluded on Sunday, Sept. 12 with a brunch at the Nathan Hale Inn.
The 2000 Huskies went 20-3-2 en route to their second NCAA national title. UConn took on Creighton in the 2000 title game after the Bluejays defeated Indiana in overtime. Chris Gbandi, the 2000 Hermann Trophy winner, scored the game winner as Darin Lewis added the Huskies' second goal of the game, giving UConn a 2-0 victory and a National title. Gbandi was named the most outstanding defensive player, while Lewis was named the most outstanding offensive player of the College Cup.
UConn boasted two of the final five finalists for the Hermann Trophy Award, while Gbandi earned the honor. He was also named an NSCAA First Team All-American, while Lewis and Brent Rahim earned Second Team honors.
Gbandi, Lewis and Rahim were also chosen as All-New England First Team members for their 2000 performances. All three student-athletes added to their individual list of awards as they were all selected for the 2000 All-BIG EAST First Team as Gbandi was picked as the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year.
Rahim was selected as the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year. Cesar Cuellar earned conference honors as well, as he was named the 2000 BIG EAST Rookie of the Year. The freshman was also named to the All-Rookie squad and earned All-BIG EAST Second Team honors.
