Bowling Green State University Athletics
Sandy Named MVP as Men's Soccer Celebrates 2007 Season
February 01, 2008 | Men's Soccer
Feb. 1, 2008
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Senior Abiola Sandy was awarded the MVP-Gary Palmisano award as the team's most outstanding player for the 2007 season as the men's soccer Falcons looked back on their season Saturday (Jan. 26) afternoon.
"The night itself was absolutely wonderful from the excellent service and food the University Catering services provided to the company we kept including our special guest's [legendary former head coach] Mickey Cochrane and his wife Pat.
"It is always bittersweet to acknowledge the end of a season, but we had so many milestones to express our gratitude for that we were able to focus on those and make the night special for the team, their families and the friends of the Bowling Green soccer program."
Dooley noted amongst the Falcons individual accomplishments:
• Two Academic All-Mac selections: Jacob Lawrence and Hunter Van Houten
• Three All-MAC players: Cameron Hepple (second team), Thomas McLean (second team) and Abiola Sandy (second team)
• Two MAC POW winners: Paul Shoemaker (9/17/07) and Hunter Van Houten (11/17/07)
• MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week honoree: Hunter Van Houten (9/21/07 and 11/1/07)
• Falcon Classic All-Tournament team members: Abiola Sandy and Paul Shoemaker
• All-Ohio selection: Abiola Sandy
As a whole, the team also had plenty to relish, too.
Just a few of those details included:
• Bowling Green's four shutouts were the most under Thompson and allowed the Falcons to boast their first multiple shutout season since 2003. Moreover, both Falcon keepers, Brent Petkus and Paul Shoemaker, earned at least one shutout and an assist in 2007. It is believed this is the first time in program history for more than one keeper to have both an assist and a shutout in the same season. Previously, only four keepers, Mickey Loescher ('88, '89), Greg Murphy ('91), Dan Traver ('92, '93) and Scott Vallow ('95, '97) could find their names in both the assists and shutouts columns. Vallow's two assist and 12 shutout season in 1997 was the last time a Falcon keeper picked up the statistical combination.
• Three rookies (Thomas McLean, Matt Klancic and Nathanyal Thomas) scored their first collegiate goals this season. McLean's goal against NIU (11/2) was his third of the season; he and sophomore Ahmad Smith (last season) lead all freshman Falcons in goal scoring under Thompson (3).
• The Falcons won their final three games of the season to close the scheduled slate. In those wins, BGSU outscored their opponents, 9-3 and picked-up their longest win streak under head coach Fred Thompson.
• The Falcons were 4-7-2 when facing non-conference opponents in 2007. Abiola Sandy, Chuko Evwaraye, Ryan Perea and Cameron Hepple each scored a game winner in non-conference matches while keepers Paul Shoemaker and Brent Petkus combined for those four aforementioned shutouts - the pair had a 1.38 GAA and 54 saves over the 13 match span.
• The Falcons finished at 6-10-3 overall while going 2-2-1 in the MAC. Bowling Green went on to host their first MAC tournament game for the first time in the Fred Thompson era.
Once dinner was over and the team viewed the highlight film, individual performances by Tyler Deal (Coaches Award/Outstanding Attitude), Dusko Topolic (Top Rookie), Brent Petkus (Most Improved) and Sandy were recognized. Hunter Van Houten and Kyle McNayr were also presented with the Dr. Lee and Marge Meserve Academic Award.
Sandy, a senior captain, was then given the chance to say his final public goodbyes to the team and its' supporters.
"It was a joy to watch and listen to Abi's senior speech. Over his career he's grown into the leader and player we had hoped for. Like with all great men, it would be nice if we had him for one more year but, to his credit, he will be a very difficult person to replace in our program," said Thompson.
On the lighter side, the team also acted as the Fashion Police critiquing each others `studly' attire. Ahmad Smith was voted the best dressed while Paul Nettey's tie was the team favorite. Gavin Dozier's shoes also sparked a bit of favoritism. Freshman Robert Barker's outfit was not seen with as much enthusiasm and was given the "Needs Improvement" award.
##BGSU SOCCER##
