UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Raquel Rodriguez (San Jose, Costa Rica) was named a finalist for the 2014 Soccer News Net College Boot award, which recognizes the top female collegiate soccer player. Fans can cast their ballot for the award at http://www.phillysoccernews.com/collegeboot/wplayerpoll.php until Dec. 16.
The 2014 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, Rodriguez has 15 points in as many games. In the Nittany Lions' NCAA Tournament first round win against Buffalo on Nov. 14, she assisted on Penn State's first goal and scored the eventual game-winner en route to the 4-1 victory.
For the Soccer News Net College Boot award, the editors of each site in the Soccer News Net network (Big Apple Soccer, Chicagoland Soccer News, LA Soccer News, New England Soccer News, Philly Soccer News, Dallas Soccer News, DC Soccer News and Sunshine Soccer News) nominated up to three local players for the award, each of whom will be eligible for the regional player of the year award. Six additional at-large selections rounded out the nominations.
Online fan voting will account for 40% of the total toward the award. The remaining 60% of the vote will be cast by the Soccer News Net editorial staff. The winner of the popular vote will receive the Soccer News Net Supporter's Choice Award. The winner of the College Boot Award will be announced in January.