DONALDSON – Three members of the Ancilla College men’s soccer team have been named NJCAA All-Region 12 selections, headlined by first team selection Luis Delgado, the College announced on Tuesday.
Delgado is joined by second team selections Cody Koesters and Horraine Lewis. All three were also First Team All-MCCAA Conference selections.
This marks the second consecutive year that Ancilla has placed three players on the all-conference and all-region teams.
“It’s very tough to get three players on our all-region teams, especially when we are contending with several nationally ranked powers in our group,” said Ancilla College men’s soccer coach James Drzewiecki. “With that being said, these guys deserved the honors. The coaches in our region agreed that Luis, Cody, and Horraine were three of the best, and we’re excited to see our young men earn such prestigious honors.”
Delgado (Lexington, KY/ Dunbar HS), a sophomore, became the third player in three years to earn first team honors for the Chargers. The center midfielder scored eight goals on the season including three game-winning goals and another that earned a 2-2 draw against NJCAA #5 Schoolcraft College on Sept. 17.
Koesters (Dayton, OH / Carroll HS), a freshman, emerged as one of the most dangerous strikers in program history, recording 12 goals and 5 assists in his first season with the Chargers. Koesters scored against every team in NJCAA Region 12 this year and finished his season on a four match scoring streak, including goals in both the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds of the NJCAA Region 12 tournament.
Lewis (Hopewell, Jamaica/ Cornwall), a freshman, was a standout holding midfielder for Ancilla this year. A former member of the Jamaica U20 national pool, Lewis contributed one goal and three assists on the year, including the game-winning assist to Luis Delgado in Ancilla’s 3-2 overtime win in the Region 12 quarterfinals against Owens Community College.
“Success in soccer is obviously dependent on more than just three players, but these three really set a high standard with their play this year,” said Drzewiecki. “I couldn’t be happier for Luis to earn first team honors, especially as he’s preparing to move on to the four-year level. For Cody and Horraine, this gives them something very tangible to build upon as they prepare for their sophomore seasons. It’s not every day you see two freshmen earn all-region honors from the same program, and I think it bodes very well for our team’s future.”
Several other players were honored at the team’s annual postseason banquet for their contributions this past Sunday.
Delgado was selected by his teammates for “Player of the Year” honors and was also awarded “Goal of the Year” for his overtime goal at Owens in the NJCAA Region 12 quarterfinals.
Koesters was awarded the “Golden Boot” award for leading the team in scoring with 12 goals. He also shared “Most Assists” honors with freshman winger Anthony Huard (Munster, IN/ Munster HS).
Freshman center back Cesar Landin (Las Vegas, NV/ Las Vegas HS) was selected by his teammates as “Defensive MVP”.
Freshman wing back Eric Herzog (Merrillville, IN/ Merrillville HS) was chosen by his teammates as “Most Improved” amongst all Ancilla players.
Herzog and sophomore goalkeeper Adam Calhoun (Argos, IN/ Argos HS) were both honored by the coaching staff as co-winners of the “Coach’s Award”, which recognizes outstanding work ethic and attitude.
Sophomore midfielder Trevor Ballinger (Warsaw, IN/ Warsaw HS) was recognized for his contributions as the team captain while Koesters and freshman goalkeeper Alex “Bucky” Howe (Spring Lake, MI/ Spring Lake HS) were recognized for their contributions as assistant captains.
