September 9, 2009
SIGNING ON
Ex-Bull Palacio joins Serbian club

Stony Brook, N.Y. -- Former Stony Brook men’s players Petar Rakovic and Michael Palacio, a member of the Red Bulls, have agreed to terms with their respective professional teams. Palacio signed with FK Radnicki Obrenovac in Serbia and Rakovic inked a deal with Mjøndalen IF of the Norwegian First Division.

Palacio was Stony Brook’s most decorated men’s soccer student-athlete in its Division I era as he was named all-America East first team three consecutive years. In addition to scoring 14 goals at the midfield position, he also is the school’s all-time leader in assists with 26.

Palacio was picked in the second round (21st overall) in the 2008 MLS supplemental draft. He missed most of his rookie season after being placed on the team's season-ending injury list due to a knee injury he suffered April 20, 2008. Palacio was cut by the Red Bulls March 20.

After transferring from St. John’s, Rakovic started all 37 games he played in for the Seawolves. He finished with two goals and four assists including the game-winning goal against Adelphi in 2007. Rakovic also earned all-conference honors and was named to the all-academic team.

Both players have joined their respective clubs and are training for the 2009-10 season.