Span Signs Professional Contract with Djurg?rdens IF

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia sophomore midfielder Brian ‘Cobi’ Span (Somers, N.Y.) has signed a professional contract with Djurgårdens IF Fotboll in Sweden and will begin play with the club in 2012.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in UVa soccer for helping me to develop as a person and player and for giving me the opportunities to prove my abilities on and off the field for the past two seasons,” Span said. “I’m very excited about this next chapter in my career and it should be a great experience. I definitely plan on finishing my studies at UVa at some point in my life because of their high level of educational programs.”

Formed in 1891 and based in Stockholm, DIF has won 11 national championship titles and four national cup titles. Djurgården has captured its Swedish championships during three eras and plays in the top Swedish tier, Allsvenskan.

“We are all very happy for Cobi,” Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch said. “He has worked very hard and has earned this great opportunity to play professionally in Sweden. While at Virginia Cobi was a young professional in the classroom and on the field. We wish him all the best.”

In two seasons with the Cavaliers, Span recorded a dozen goals and added eight assists. He played in all 41 of UVa’s games, starting 39, during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

After earning a spot on the 2010 ACC All-Freshman Team, Span ascended to the All-ACC second team this year. Span started all 21 matches for the Cavaliers, scoring seven goals and adding a team-high five assists for 19 total points (second on the team).

Span ranked 12th in the ACC in goals and assists and finished second on the team in goals this year. He also was named to ACC All-Tournament Team in 2011.