THE job of any good forward is to score goals. But to be considered great, a forward must score a lot of goals. Leo Peirano was a great forward. Since his first game at John Brown University, Leo was destined to take his place among the great goal-scorers of the NAIA. Any observer could see that he was intent on scoring goals; and that he had focused his sights on the program's long-standing goal-scoring record. Lego put his superior technical abilities, contagious enthusiasm, winning spirit and soccer savvy to good use in setting the single-season scoring record, 32 goals, in just 22 games. This accomplishment put him at center stage for regional and national recognition, including All-America honors.

DRIBBLING past defenders, faking out goalkeepers and rifling shots or finessing them delicately into the back of the net became commonplace for Leo. His talent soon caused opponents to assign two or three defenders in order to contain him. In spite of everything opponents did, Leo was always a threat to score. In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Leo's contribution to the team was evident by the number of assists he earned each year. The assists increased each season, culminating in establishing himself as a multi-dimensional player. He could frustrate opponents by scoring himself or smartly setting up teammates for the finishing strike on goal.

RECOGNIZED as one of the best players in the Sooner Athletic by being named to the All-Conference team each of his four seasons at JBU, Leo was also selected by the coaches as the Region and Conference Player of the Year in 2000. A tough competitor who always competed intensely and fairly, Leo set a lofty benchmark for the goal-scorers of the future. Would-be successors to the single-season scoring record will have to exceed Leo's high standards before they can lay claim to goal-scoring greatness.