Feb. 18, 2009
CINCINNATI - Senior Brad Simpson (Novi, Mich./Novi) and sophomore Branden Stelmak (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights) earned Defensive and Offensive MVP honors, respectively, at the 2008 University of Cincinnati men's soccer awards banquet on Feb. 7 at the Vernon Manor Hotel.
Simpson was named to the all-BIG EAST third team following the 2008 season and earned a spot on the all-Ohio team. He started 63-of-64 matches as a four-year starter. He led the Bearcats with four goals this season, including game-winners against Villanova (Oct. 4) and Syracuse (Oct. 25) on Senior Night. His defensive prowess helped the Bearcats post nine shutouts in 2008 and 28 shutouts during his four-year reign as a starter.
Stelmak tied for the team lead with four goals and led the squad with nine points and three game-winning goals.
Matt Bahner (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota West) earned the squad's Newcomer of the Year award after starting 16 contests and scoring one goal, a game-winner against CCC, and adding a pair of assists.
Chris Mitchell (Ajax, Ontario/SUNY Plattsburgh) won the Most Improved Player Award and was also named Mr. Bearcat - an award given to the student-athlete that performs the best in the team's preseason conditioning drills.
The team honored Simpson, the squad's lone senior player and senior manager Andy Frigge for their years of dedication to UC soccer. Simpson also earned the David DeCarlo Award, which goes to a senior that exemplifies the dedication and sacrifice needed to be a successful student-athlete.
UC finished the season with a 7-10-2 overall record and a 5-5-1 mark in league play. One of the nation's youngest teams, the Bearcats boasted a roster of 17 newcomers and 15 freshmen. Even with that inexperience, UC was able to win its fourth straight against crosstown rival Xavier and make its fourth appearance in the BIG EAST Tournament in four years in the league.
The Bearcats will open the spring season on April 3 in Gettler Stadium, hosting the annual alumni match at 6 p.m.