The Rock Island, Ill., native was a leader for UW-Oshkosh this past season in many ways, posting team-best totals in goals (26), points (61) and game-winning goals (11). His efforts helped the Titans to a 20-2 record and a trip to the NCAA Division III Final Four. Despite missing the final two matches of the year due to a knee injury, Deopere averaged 1,30 goals per contest and 3.05 points per match to rank fourth and fifth in the NCAA Division III, respectively. His point total set a school mark, while his school-record goal total was the ninth-best in NCAA Division III annals. Deopere had eight multiple-goal matches during the 2000 campaign, including a school-record four in a 9-1 win over UW-Superior on Oct. 1.

In 1999, Deopere scored 19 goals and tallied 49 points to lead the Titans in both categories. UW-Oshkosh registered a 17-2-1 record behind Deopere's effort and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division III Championship. He also recorded 14 goals and five assists in 1997 and 15 goals in 1998. Deopere led UW-Oshkosh in goals and points all four seasons.

A social work major, Deopere concluded his four-year career at UW-Oshkosh by ranking among the finest men's soccer players in NCAA Division III history. His 74 career goals and 173 career points, both school records, rank fifth and seventh in NCAA Division III history, respectively.

The A-League Riverhawks, who compiled a 2-23-3 record last year, will have exclusive negotiating rights with Deopere for two weeks, after which he becomes a free agent and may attend combines of other A-League teams. Deopere has already been asked to attend invitation-only combines in Minnesota, New York and Tennessee.

The A-League is the USL's showcase league, and there are 21 A-League franchises located in markets not occupied by Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. The leagues are entering the sixth year of an agreement that designates the USL as a marketing partner and a player development structure for the MLS.