Clarksville, Ark.-The University of the Ozarks men's soccer team had two Freshman of the Year awards and seven All-Conference players, the American Southwest Conference announced Tuesday, November 12.
Forward Charleus Emmanuel Ritch was named the Offensive Freshman of the Year and Alain Claude was named co-Defensive Freshman of the Year. Ritch earned a spot on the All-ASC First Team, while Claude was named to the All-ASC Second Team. The Eagles had three other players on the All-ASC First Team: sophomore midfielder Richard Souffrant, sophomore midfielder Drew Mott and junior goalkeeper Logan Valestin. Additionally, junior defender Juan Cano was named to the All-ASC Second Team and sophomore defender Truman Hensley was named to the All-ASC Third Team.
Ritch, a native of Haiti, led the conference with 63 shots and finished fifth in goals with seven. He tied for the league-lead with four game-winning goals. He was fifth in the conference in points (17). He was named ASC Player of the Week once during the season after he scored two golden goals against conference opponents. A starter in 16 matches, Ritch recorded 27 shots on frame. He created seven shots on two occasions and nine shots against Howard Payne University. He had a two-goal performance against Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Claude, a native of Haiti, started in 18 matches and during his time on the pitch the Eagles posted four shutouts. In addition to his outstanding defensive play, Claude was an offensive threat scoring two goals and recording two assists. Claude took 21 shots.
Souffrant, a native of Haiti, started in all 19 matches and recorded one goal and two assists. He took 19 shots. He produced the game-winning goal on a penalty kick against Ecclesia. He created three shots against four different opponents. He was named All-Conference last season.
Mott, a native of Arlington, Texas, finished third in the conference in shots (56), points (21) and assists (5). He tied for the league-lead in game-winning goals with four. With eight goals, he ranked fourth in the conference. A starter in all 19 matches, Mott led the team in goals, assists, points and game-winning goals (tie). He made both of his penalty kick attempts during the season. He had a two-goal performance against Nebraska Wesleyan. He had seven shots against Louisiana College. He had two or more shots in eleven different matches. He also had back-to-back two-assist matches. He was named ASC Player of the Week once during the season after scoring one goal and tallying four assists over two matches.
Valestin, a native of Bryant, Ark., started in all 19 matches and ranked third in the conference in shutouts with five. He was fifth in goals against average (1.18) and fourth in saves (76). He recorded two saves on penalty kicks in the playoffs to help the Eagles advance to the semi-finals. He had a season-high 11 saves against Texas Dallas in the playoffs. He was named to the ASC All-Tournament Team following his playoff performance. He was named ASC Player of the Week once during the season. He is a two-time All-Conference performer.
Cano, a native of Belize, started in 18 matches and helped the Eagles produce five shutouts with his strong defensive effort. Cano controlled the back for the Eagles and contributed two assists. He was named ASC Player of the Week once during the season.
Hensley, a native of Montgomery, Texas, helped form one of the best defensive back lines in the conference. Hensley, a starter in all 19 matches, helped the Eagles limit their opponents to just five goals at home. He is a two-time All-Conference performer.
Under head coach Aaron Brueckner, the Eagles advanced to the semi-finals of the ASC Championship Tournament.
