ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The accolades continue to roll in for the UCF men’s soccer team as five Knights have been named All-Region selections by the United Soccer Coaches (USC) announced Wednesday.
Cal Jennings, Yoni Sorokin, Louis Perez, and Yannik Oettl were named to the All-East Region First Team, while freshman Yanis Leerman was named to the Third Team.
This is the most selections to an All-Region team in one season in program history.
Jennings, who is also a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy and the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, netted 20 goals in 18 matches with four assists for 45 points. He also boasts three hat tricks on the season (against Liberty, Stetson, and FGCU).
The junior etched his name into the record books in both the conference and UCF men’s soccer. Jennings broke The American record for most goals and most points registered in a single season. The Roswell, Ga., native was in the national spotlight the entire season leading all of Division I in shots per game with 5.56 and was second for the majority of the season in total goals, assists, and points.
Perez, The American Midfielder of the Year, netted three goals and five assists for 11 points while playing 1,420 minutes and all while commanding the Knights’ offense. Perez recorded the game winner in the final regular season game that gave the Knights the win over Cincinnati for a share of the regular season title and home field advantage for the conference tournament.
Oettl registered 1,802 minutes between the posts, starting in all 19 matches for the Knights. The American Goalkeeper of the Year allowed just 20 goals on the season and recorded four shutouts with 70 saves for a .778 save percentage. Oettl was not only a threat in goal, but also provided a pair of assists on the season.
Sorokin netted four goals and five assists for 13 points on 34 shots during the season playing just under 1,600 minutes as a midfielder. An All-Conference First Team selection, the sophomore started 18 games for the Black and Gold, proving to be a reliable weapon. Sorokin connected on the game-winning goal against Memphis leading to an eventual 2-1 victory over the Tigers for the Knights’ then third-straight win.
Leerman had an impressive first collegiate season as he continues to add to his resume after earning All-Conference Second and Rookie Team. The freshman defender quickly became a regular starter for UCF recording 16 starts out of the Knights’ 19 matches. Leerman was a critical piece on the backline allowing under an average of just 10 shots per game.
The 2018 Knights completed one of their best seasons in program history. They finished with an overall record of 13-3-3 and a record of 5-1-1 in The American. Since becoming a Division I program, this is the third best record the Knights have garnered.
FOLLOW THE KNIGHTS
Follow UCF Men’s Soccer on social media on Facebook (/UCFMensSoccer), Twitter (@UCF_MSoccer) and Instagram (@UCF.MSoccer).
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.