Four Titans receive All-Big South boys soccer honors

The first season in the Big South Conference for the Tri-City United (TCU) boys soccer team was very successful.

The Titans placed second in the Black Division with a 3-2-1 record. They ended with a 12-5-2 overall record and were the Section 2A Runners-Up.

Four Titan players received honors from the Big South Conference coaches.

Seniors Damian Torres and Alan Ortiz, junior Nick Mendez, and freshman Angel Ruiz Gomez were named to All-Conference Teams.

Torres, a defender, and Gomez, a forward, were named All-Big South First Team. Ortiz, a midfielder, and Mendez, a goalie, received All-Big South Honorable Mention recognition.

Tri-City United held their end-of-the-season award night last week and many players received post-season honors.

Freshman Angel Ruiz Gomez was named the Titan Most Valuable Player. He set a school record with his 24 goals scored this season. He also had three assists.

Freshman Gio Perez was named the Titan Most Improved Player. He set a school record with his 13 assists. He also scored 10 goals, second on the team behind Ruiz Gomez.

Senior Damian Torres was named the Titans Defensive Player of the Year.

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Other team awards included the following:

• New Players of the Year - Sophomores Meradie Mpunza and Gio Ruiz Gomez.

• Team Spirit Award - Sophomore Gavin Phelps.

• Playmaker Award (the player whose game most makes his teammates better) - Sophomore Alex Mendez.

• Tactical Genius Award - Freshman Angel Ruiz Gomez.

• Inspiration Award (Titan who inspired on and/or off the pitch) - Senior Alan Ortiz.

• Who Wore it Best? Award (Titan who looked the best in their uniform) - Senior Rafael Balcazar.

• Mr. Humble (the player who is better than they act/think they are) - Senior Alan Ortiz.

• Dedication Award (first to come, last to leave. Hardest worker at practice) - Senior Juan Lopez.

• Eternal Optimist Award - (positive attitude about themselves, teammates and team no matter what) - Sophomores Erik Hernandez and Christ Gutierrez. 

The following players scored goals: Angel Ruiz Gomez 24 (team record), Gio Perez 10, Rafael Balcazar 7, Cooper Sutherland 6, Chase Miller 4, Alan Ortiz 4, Alex Gutierrez 3, Gio Ruiz Gomez 1, Nick Mendez 1, Fred Klokonos, 1, Will Sandbulte 1, Damian Torres 1, Alex Mendez 1, Brayden Siebsen 1.

The following players had assists: Gio Perez 13 (team record), Cooper Sutherland 10, Rafael Balcazar 7, Alex Mendez 4, Angel Ruiz Gomez 3, Alan Ortiz 3, Gio Ruiz Gomez 2, Ian Merlo 2, Will Sandbulte 1, Gavin Phelps 1, Alex Gutierrez 1, Erik Hernandez 1, Juan Lopez 1, Brayden Siebsen 1.