April 19, 2002

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Former Santa Clara University defensive standout Jeff Stewart will return to the Silicon Valley this week as his new team, the Colorado Rapids, will take on the defending Major League Soccer Champions, San Jose Earthquakes, at Spartan Stadium Saturday night.

Stewart, who earned West Coast Conference Player of the Year honors in 2001, has started every game for the Rapids thus far in the young MLS season, helping Colorado to a 2-1-1 mark and seven points putting them in a tie atop the Western Conference standings.

"We knew that Jeff would do well in the MLS," said Santa Clara head coach Mitch Murray. "His technical and tactical ability combined with his incredible concentration allows him to be very consistent, which is a skill that you need at the top levels of soccer. He will be the consummate professional."

While at Santa Clara he led the Broncos defense to an amazing 0.76 goals-against average over the last two seasons, earning WCC Defender of the Year honors in 2000, and Co-Defender of the year to go alongside his Player of the Year award in 2001.

As a senior Stewart scored three goals, ranking him second on the team in goals and third on the team in points. He was a preseason All-American selection and has started in every game for Santa Clara since his sophomore season. He was a vital member of the Bronco teams that made back-to-back College Cup appearances in 1998 and 1999.