On the heels of the rare double championship, two members of the Benedictine men’s soccer team were awarded for their efforts this season as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2012 All-America squad.
Defender Fernando Galvan (Sr., Kansas City, Mo.) was among 11 players named to the first team while forward Joe Sbarro (Jr., Kansas City, Mo.) was among the 11 players named to the second team.
“For me, I’m still trying to let it sink in,” said Raven head coach Rob Herringer. “We’ve had some really good players over the past eight years that haven’t been able to receive the honor and for us to get two this year, really proves to me that our program has arrived.”
Galvan wrapped up a stellar career for the Ravens this fall as he was a key piece of a back line defense that finished the season ranked No. 1 in shutouts per game and fourth in the NAIA in total shutouts with 11.
“I was shocked,” said Galvan. “I would imagine a lot of this came from our team success and the number of shutouts we had. I was able to get on the scoresheet a little more than some other center backs and that had to help as well.
“It’s an honor to earn the award because I know about all of the players who have played here before me who have deserved it and haven’t been able to get it.”
He was also named first-team All-HAAC along with being named the HAAC’s Defensive Player of the Year and HAAC MVP. He finished the season with a total of 19 points – second on the team only to Sbarro. Galvan tallied eight goals and three assists from his middle-back position.
“He has made a name for himself,” said Coach Herringer. “He had the numbers to back up his solid defensive play. The fact that he was named the overall (HAAC) MVP shows that others see that he is a strong all-around player and not just a strong center back.”
Sbarro came on strong in HAAC play for Coach Herringer and finished the season ranked No. 14 in goals scored (19) and No. 13 in goals per game (1.0).
“Joe had a phenomenal season as well,” said Coach Herringer. “It’s hard to be named an All-American at forward.”
His 38 points was a HAAC high as he tallied 19 goals en route to being named the HAAC Offensive Player of the Year.
“He realized some his potential this season,” said Coach Herringer. “It has taken him some time to adjust to the physicalness and speed of the college game. We’ve been working with him the past three years to play within a system that allows him to do what he does best. This year you could see him gain confidence within the system.”
Benedictine won both the HAAC regular season title and the HAAC Postseason Tournament title this season. They finished with an overall record of 12-3-4 and went 5-1-1 in the HAAC – one of the nations top men’s soccer conferences.
— BC Sports Information —