Senior Kevin O'Neil (San Antonio, TX) came away with two pieces of hardware on Sunday, earning 'Pirate of the Year' and 'Player of the Year' honors. The Pirate Award exemplifies the overall spirit, character, passion and dedication to the entire program and SU community, while the Player of the Year honor displays the individual who had the most profound impact on the team's progress and success, without this player the team would not have had the success it did. This season KO led the back line again, switching from a sweeper to a center back position, to a third consecutive Second place finish in the SCAC. In 2008, he was selected a Third Team All-SCAC performer and was selected to the inaugural SCAC Soccer All-Sportsmanship Team (placing emphasis on good sportsmanship at all SCAC functions). KO started all 19 matches this season and registered one assist on the year. Last season he was a All-SCAC Second Team pick and was also an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District pick for his ability not only on the field but in the classroom where he has been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout his academic career. In his four year career, KO has started 48 matches out of 65 played in and has scored one goal along with two assists for 4 points. He helped lead the Pirates to consecutive lowest goals against in SCAC play with letting up only 5 in 2006 and 2007 (a school record).
Newcomer of the Year award went to first year Colin McCulloch (Sugar Land, TX). The Newcomer Award represents the individual who had the most impact on the program as either a transfer or first year and Colin did just that, for the first time in Coach Gregory's tenure, he started a true freshmen in the first match of the season. McCulloch started 18 matches played in this season in the center back position. A great individual defender and monster in the air, McCulloch was able to help solidify a defense depleted by graduation and was able to step in right from the start and play beyond his youth and inexperience.
Most Improved Player award was given to sophomore Ben Feiler (Bellaire, TX). This award his given to the individual that has shown the most dramatic improvement over the 2008 season or his entire career. Only seeing action in three matches in his rookie season, Feiler came in with the mindset of wanting to contribute more. That he did. Feiler started every match this season (19/19) and registered 2 assists along the way from the right back position. Feiler was able to step in become an agressive defender shutting down many dangerous forwards in the SCAC. Was a huge part of the teams success in 2008.
Goal of the Year honors go to senior Preston Hollis (Austin, TX). Preston Hollis was selected for his goals against DePauw and Colorado College. In the match vs. CC, Ben Feiler won the ball just behind midfield and took a few dribbles out on the right flank. He then played an early through ball to a streaking Hollis where he blew by the defender and found a one-on-one opportunity with the Tigers keeper. Hollis curled the ball to his right around the keeper and hit upper 'V' to make it 1-0 Pirates. His game winner vs. DePauw sealed a 1-0 victory and essentially a second place finish in the SCAC. Alex Keller was able to play a through ball Hollis who was flying past defenders, Hollis took one touch at around the 18 and just inside the box from the right edge he slammed a ball to the lower left corner that caremed off the post and ricocheted in for the game winner. Hollis scored 5 goals and had 1 assist in his senior campaign for 11 points and was third on the team in scoring.The Southwestern Men's Soccer Seniors were also honored for the efforts throughout their careers. Kevin O'Neil, Kevin Jordan, Preston Hollis, Ryan Tasin, Suresh Thomas, Wintson Pool, and Philip Stehling were all part of a tremendous four year stint that saw the Pirates finish three years in a row in second place in the SCAC. In the SCAC they went 25-10-3, had the school record for fewest goals against in SCAC play with 5 in 2006 and 2007, school record for most goals in SCAC play with 26, a school record for most goals in a half with 7 vs. Rhodes and most goals in a SCAC match with 8 vs. Rhodes in 2008 (the first time the Pirates beat Rhodes at Rhodes).
Seniors - Thanks for the massive impact on the Pirates Men's Soccer Program!
