TicketsFeb. 18, 2008
CINCINNATI - Seniors Kenny Anaba and Patrick Baxter were named the University of Cincinnati's men's soccer team Co-Offensive MVPs for the 2007 season and senior Amir Ikner garnered Defensive MVP at the annual awards banquet held on Feb. 9 at the Vernon Manor Hotel. With a fifth place finish in the BIG EAST, the 2007 season ended on a four-game winning streak that took the Bearcats to the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST Tournament.
Anaba, a first-team all-BIG EAST and second-team all-Great Lakes selection, was named the team's co-offensive MVP after leading the squad in goals for the third consecutive year and leading the team in points with 23 (10G, 3A). A three-time all-BIG EAST honoree, he ranked second in the BIG EAST in scoring and fifth in the league in points. Anaba finished his career ranked seventh in school history with 26 goals and eighth in points with 65.
Baxter, a CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree, led the squad with three game winners and was second on the team with 12 points (4G, 4A). Tied for second on the team in assists, he was the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week and was named to the CollegeSoccerNews.com Team of The Week after scoring three goals and adding an assist in wins against Seton Hall and Georgetown. Baxter concluded his two-year career at UC starting 33 of 35 matches with five goals and six assists.
Ikner, a mainstay of the backline, was an Honorable Mention all-BIG EAST selection. A preseason all-BIG EAST selection, he started 19 matches, helping the Bearcats post a 0.96 goals against average. Ikner finished his career starting 64 of 65 games and had five goals and four assists from the center back position.
Freshman Mark Konitsch was honored as the Most Improved Player on the team. Konitsch, a midfielder for the Bearcats, played in a total of 18 matches, starting four. Konitsch posted one goal and delivered two assists in his first season.
Freshman Miguel Rosales was named the team's Newcomer of the Year after starting 19 matches at goalkeeper. He ranked seventh in the BIG EAST With a 0.81 goals against average and tied for seventh in the league with eight shutouts during his freshman campaign.
The DeCarlo Award, which goes to a senior that exemplifies the dedication and sacrifice needed to be a successful student-athlete, was awarded to Lionel Jackson. Jackson led the team and finished sixth in the BIG EAST with eight assists, including two assists that would result in game-winning goals against Seton Hall and Villanova. An offensive weapon on corner kicks and set pieces, he started all 20 matches at the left back position.
The Bearcat Teammate Award and the Coaches Academic Award were given to senior Noah Davidson. Davidson, a co-captain for the squad, was second on the team with five goals and third with 11 points. Starting all 20 games in the midfield, he tallied game winners against Michigan State and Rutgers. Off the field, he was inducted into UC's prestigious Legion of Excellence in 2007, an award based on the highest cumulative grade-point average on the respective team for the previous school year.
Chris Thompson was honored with the Mr. Bearcat award, which goes to the student-athlete that scores the highest on the preseason fitness tests. Thompson finished with a goal and a pair of assists this season.
UC will open its spring season on April 5 against Bowling Green and Ohio State in Dayton, Ohio. Log on to GoBEARCATS.com for more information.