Vedad Ibisevic, All-American and Saint Louis University’s top
scorer in 2003, has left the ranks of collegiate soccer for a
professional career in Europe.
After spending only a year in college ball, Ibisevic departs
from SLU to join with the French club, Paris St. Germain.
The decision was announced by Coach Dan Donigan in late July,
less than a month before SLU kicked off the 2004 season in last
night’s exhibition tie against the University of
Loyola-Chicago.
“Vedad made a decision on his ability to help his family,” said
Coach Dan Donigan in a press release. “Part of our mission as a
coaching staff is to provide an environment that enables players to
grow and reach the next level.”
The loss of Ibisevic will most clearly be felt in the offensive
end of the pitch. In what proved to be his only year with the
Billikens, Ibisevic finished with a team leading 18 goals
complimented by four assists on the season.
These scoring marks broke all of SLU’s significant freshman
records, previously held by Brian McBride. Likewise, he led all
freshmen in scoring among the NCAA.
Still, in spite of his departure, SLU is unanimously picked to
finish on top of Conference USA–which speaks greatly to their
depth and offensive ability.
To compensate for the loss, SLU will primarily turn to
sophomores Will John and Jon DiRaimando for offensive
production.
John finished second in goals scored last year with nine goals
and DiRaimando led the team with 10 assists.
“There is some kind of impact, but I have no idea what kind
right now. The other guys are stepping in, trying to shoulder that
responsibility,” Donigan said.
Ibisevic, a native Bosnian, came to St. Louis several years ago
to escape his war-torn homeland. He played high school soccer
locally at Roosevelt.
Reportedly, Ibisevic is in close competition for the few
remaining roster spots with PSG.
He has already played in several exhibitions with the squad and
will likely be offered a contract, according to team officials.
PSG and local Parisian press all see great potential in their
new forward target.
PSG consistently ranks among the elite teams of France’s Ligue
1. Just last season they won the French Cup after finishing second
in league play.
Their coach Vadid Halilhodvic, also a native Bosnian, likely
served as one of the deciding factors in bringing Ibisevic to the
team.
The club discovered Ibisevic playing in a number exhibition
contests throughout the summer, and also followed his play for the
Bosnian national team.
“You can look at it two ways. You can be real negative and
jealous of the whole thing as a coach, but at the same time, you
can be very excited and happy for him which is how I feel. We’re
proud of him, very excited for him,” Donigan said in a
SoccerTimes.com article.
As for other non-returning players, Sophomore midfielder Kyle
Hopson will not rejoin after failure to meet academic requirements,
along with sophomore David Peplinski, who departs after breaking
team rules.
