Thiago Sa Freire Class: RS Senior Hometown: Manchester, MO High School: Christian Brothers HS Height / Weight: 5-9 / 170 Position: Midfielder

General: Returns for a fifth year after missing almost all of last year with an ankle injury ... a true leader of the Cardinal squad that will be a field general for the Stanford this season ... a fierce competitor with an attacking mentality ... one of the team's hardest workers.

As a RS Junior in 2009: Earned a medical redshirted after suffering a season-ending injury early in 2009 ... started the first two games of the season before suffering the injury.

As a Junior in 2008: Appeared in 17 games, including 10 starts ... brought energy and skill both off the bench and as a starter throughout the season.

As a Sophomore in 2007: First collegiate goal was a game-winner in the 62nd minute in a 1-0 season-ending win over Cal (11/17) ... centering pass on Michael Strickland's goal vs. Davidson (9/23) gave Cardinal the Stanford Nike Invitational title on goal differential ... chipped ball over a UCLA defender to set up a Kyle Hency goal (11/2).

As a Freshman in 2006: Appeared in 16 matches, starting two ... earned two assists ... assisted on goal in 1-1 draw against No. 9 UCLA (9/24) ... earned second assist in 2-1 win over No. 10 California (11/3).

High School/Club: Senior captain at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, Mo. ... two-time NSCAA All-American ... scored eight goals and had 14 assists in 2005 ... helped his club team to a regional championship and second-place national finish in 2003.

Personal: Son of Pedro and Vera Sa Freire ... has two sisters, Bianca and Isabella ... international relations major.

Bret Simon on Sa Freire: "Thiago returns for his fifth season after a redshirt year in 2009. His leadership skills and work rate will make him a key component in the midfield of the 2010 squad."

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