Portland freshman striker Michelle Enyeart is recognized as the top freshman in the country

University of Portland freshman forward Michelle Enyeart earned the first of what could be many national awards as she was named the National Rookie of the Year by Top Drawer Soccer. Enyeart finished the regular season with 16 goals and six assists to lead all freshmen nationally in goals scored. Freshmen teammates Kendra Chandhoke and Megan Sweeney were named to the All-Rookie first and third teams, respectively.

Enyeart, a native of Hemet, Calif. who played club soccer for the Laguna Hills Eclipse, filled some big shoes as Portland’s leading scorer in 2006. After the graduation of national scoring leader Christine Sinclair and midseason injury to sophomore star Megan Rapinoe, Enyeart went on a scoring tear and helped the Pilots maintain a top 10 national ranking.

After being inserted into the starting lineup on Sept. 17 against Portland State, Enyeart tallied 12 goals and six assists in the team’s final 13 matches, including a string of 11 consecutive matches with at least one point. Prior to Portland’s 0-0 draw in the regular season finale at Loyola Marymount, Enyeart had recorded at least one goal in six straight games.

Enyeart enters postseason play ranked 10th nationally in goals per game (0.80) and 12th in points per game (1.90).

Chandhoke, a club star for Real Colorado and native of Morrison, Colo., joined Enyeart on the All-Rookie First Team. With nine goals and six assists in her inaugural campaign, Chandhoke teamed with Enyeart as the highest scoring freshman duo in the country.

Sweeney came to The Bluff from Federal Way, Wash. and the FC Royals club team. She immediately cracked the starting rotation at right back, starting 18 of Portland’s 20 regular season matches. Sweeney recorded two assists and helped the Pilot defense to 11 shutouts.

Portland now prepares for the 2006 NCAA playoffs and a first-round match against Brigham Young University on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Salt Lake City, Utah.