Nov. 13, 2007
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DALLAS (SMU/Conference USA) - The SMU men's soccer team had a conference-best nine players earn All-Conference USA honors, the conference announced Tuesday, including junior midfielder Bruno Guarda, who repeated as C-USA Player of the Year.
Guarda is joined on the first team by senior defender Adrian Chevannes and senior midfielder Ben Shuleva. Chevannes was a second-team all-conference honoree last year, while Shuleva was named to the 2006 third team.
Two first-time honorees - junior defender Ryan Mirsky and sophomore forward Dane Saintus - represent the Mustangs on the second team. Senior goalkeeper Steve Sandbo, senior midfielder Scott Corbin and junior midfielder Jeff Harwell were named to the third team, while defender Chad Bauman was named to the All-Freshman team.
Guarda's repeat award is a result of his conference-leading 21 points on seven goals and seven assists. He also led the conference with four game-winning goals this season, including three in conference games.
Chevannes strengthened his status as one of the most versatile players in the nation in 2007. A defender when he transferred to SMU, Chevannes moved up front and was the second-leading SMU scorer last year. He started this season on the front line for the Mustangs, but when injuries forced a lineup shuffle, Chevannes dropped back to the right defender position and immediately established himself as one of the premier defenders in the conference ... and still scored a pair of goals. Shuleva - already considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the nation - boosted the offensive end of his game this year with three goals and an assist, earning C-USA Offensive Player of the Week honors earlier this season.
Saintus emerged as a dangerous offensive threat this year for the Mustangs, scoring 12 points on three goals and six assists - one shy of Guarda's team-high seven assists. Mirsky patrolled the center of the Mustangs' defense, using his size and strength to clear the traffic from in front of the SMU goal, especially on corner kicks and free kicks.
Sandbo anchored the SMU defense with five shutouts this season, Corbin had five points on a goal and three assists and Harwell chipped in with eight points on two goals and four assists. Bauman stepped into the lineup after injuries thinned the SMU defense, and added an immediate physical presence to the Mustangs' back line.
The Mustangs, ranked No. 5 in the final National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas poll, face Florida International Wednesday at 12 p.m., in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament, which is being held at UAB. The game can be seen on Gametracker at SMUMustangs.com.
