College Soccer: 11 Pirates picked for NWAC all-star status
Published 5:12 pm Saturday, November 21, 2015
Peninsula College placed 11 soccer players on the North Division women’s and men’s All-Star teams; freshman Johnny Martinez was named Most Valuable Player; and women’s head coach Kanyon Anderson received Coach of the Year honors, as announced this week by the Northwest Athletic Conference.
Myu Ban, Karen Corral, Lexi Krieger, Kai Mahuka and Ellie Small were named to the North Division Women’s Soccer All-Star Team, while MVP Martinez was joined by Eddie Benito, Trevan Estrellado, Santiago Sierra, Jose Soto and Jonathan Vasquez on the North Men’s All-Star Team.
Anderson’s honor marked the fourth time he was named as a division Coach of the Year, earning that title in the West Division in 2011 and 2012 as women’s coach, and then last year as Peninsula’s men’s coach as well. He was the NWAC Coach of the Year in 2011.
Anderson, who will help coach the North/South All-Stars, also was pleased to have five of his players named to the team.
“These five players deserve all of the accolades they get,” he said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without their contributions. Karen (Corral) and Kai (Mahuka) have been very steady in the center back. They are smart, organized and athletic. Myu (Ban) leads the league in assists and has been a key to our creativity. Ellie (Small) and Lexi (Krieger) have scored big goals for us all season.”
First-year men’s coach Cale Rodriguez also was excited by his team’s recognition with six of the 12 All-Stars representing Peninsula College.
“All six players are very well deserving of being named All Stars for the 2015 season,” Rodriguez said. “Santi (Sierra) and Jose (Soto) are a huge part of why, defensively, we have been excellent all year. Eddie (Benito), Johnny Vasquez and Trevan (Estrellado) all have specific roles in our midfield and have been consistent in their performances from start to finish. Johnny Martinez has had a fantastic year statistically and is a threat every time he touches the ball.”
And while the Pirates dominated the All-Star balloting, the two North Division championship coaches shared disappointment about those who missed making the team.
“I am a split about the All-Star vote though,” Anderson said. “While I’m happy for those who were recognized, we had so many talented, wonderful players left off.”
Rodriguez echoed his thoughts.
“There are other players around these guys who have contributed to their success who have been just as important this season,” he said.
