Men's Soccer Floods All-Big West with Eight
November 03, 2015 | Men's Soccer
IRVINE, Calif. --- The Anteaters were out in full force as eight men's soccer players graced the All-Big West squad including one on each team highlighted by first-teamer Eduardo Calzada.
The senior now has two first-team honors to his name in his two years as an Anteater. He's put up at least six goals for a second straight year with one of them going for a game-winner (UC Riverside) and adding three assists.
Of this year's squad, three made the second team including first-time honoree Thomas Janjigian after playing nearly every minute on the backline. He was joined by the midfielder duo of Mats Bjurman and Michael Sperber, each making their second All-Big West appearance. Bjurman had a goal and four assists to his name while Sperber attacked defensively for the 'Eaters while adding an assist of his own.
Another Anteater-filled honorable mention squad made the cut with three-time honoree keeper Michael Breslin being joined by first-timers Jaime Phillips, Matthew Tilley, and Ivan Canales.
Breslin has been an honorable mention each year, while it was a first for Tilley, well-deserved as the team-leader in minutes on the backline. The team-leading seven assists and 17 points vaulted Phillips into the mix. He and Canales have each put up five goals, and it was good enough to land him on the All-Freshman team as well, the first 'Eaters since Sperber did in 2013.
"I want to congratulate all of our players that received All-Big West recognition," added second-year head coach Chris Volk. "Each player has been a big contributor throughout the regular season. I also want to acknowledge the seniors that have given so much to the program and to their teammates over their careers. Their impact on the program will be everlasting."
This was the 12th class to earn at least seven honorees, and it's the seventh time in the last eight seasons with that many as well. Calzada marked the sixth time in the last seven seasons UCI has produced a first-teamer. The crew will head up to Cal Poly looking to extend their season on Saturday, Nov. 7 with a noon start.
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