The Park University Gilbert men's soccer team made a massive leap this past season as they made the jump from zero wins to posting a .500 record. That jump was reflected in the conference's annual awards, as five Buccaneers were named to the All-Conference team and one was named a Champion of Character.
Freshman Nicklaus Sullivan got his collegiate career off to an impressive start and was named to the All-Conference Second Team; he was the only Buccaneer to be named to either the first or second team. The Buccaneers' leading goal scorer found the back of the net a total of five times last season. Sullivan's best performance of the season was a two-goal performance in a 3-0 win over Saint Katherine on March 19th. He was also named Cal Pac Player of the Week for his performances against La Sierra and Saint Katherine in the first two matches of the season; he scored two goals on opening weekend.
Forwards Johnny Perez and Eduardo Lazaro, as well as defenders Andrew Gomez and Victor Sanchez were part of the All-Conference Honorable Mention group.
Aside from Sullivan, Perez and Lazaro were the Buccaneers' most reliable strikers throughout the season. They each scored one goal against Saint Katherine on Feb. 28 en route to the first win in program history.
Defensively, Sanchez and Gomez anchored a Buccaneers' back end that held their opponents to two or fewer goals in every game- a feat they only reached twice in the prior season. Sanchez earned a Cal Pac Defensive Player of the Week nod for his performance in the Bucs' shutout win over Benedictine Mesa. He also got in on the action offensively with a goal versus Saint Katherine alongside Perez, Sullivan and Lazaro.
Freshman defender Osvaldo Sanchez was recognized by head coach Jonas Tanzer and the conference as a Champion of Character. The Champions of Character Award is given to the student-athlete who knows, does and values the right things in all areas of life. They best embody the NAIA Champion of Character five core values integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
Because Park Gilbert was not officially a member of the Cal Pac during the last soccer season, this group of men's soccer players are the first in school history to be recognized with Conference honors.
