Major Arena Soccer League 2 kicks off post-season honors with second, third team all stars
TAMPA, Fla. -- Major Arena Soccer League 2 is kicking off its post-season honors with the announcement today of members of the second and third team all stars, as selected by league representatives in consultation with its 13 member teams.
In the coming days, M2's first team of all stars and individual honors like Coach of the Year, MVP and the like will be revealed.
"It was a great season on so many levels, and there was so much talent on display in all our cities. It was difficult to narrow it down to just a handful of players," Commissioner Chris Economides said. "These award winners are deserving honorees, and represented the whole of indoor soccer with their talents, enthusiasm and dedication to the sport."
Second team all stars include:
> Forward Mike Derezic, Cleveland Crunch, who astonishingly averaged over five points a game. In just nine games, he amassed 32 goals -- best in M2 -- and added seven assists. He added three goals in the post season.
> Forward Vitor Patriani, Amarillo Bombers, who battled for an M2 playoff spot down to the last game of the regular season in the entire league. In 11 games, he had 21 goals and eight assists.
> Midfielder Angel Martinez, Chicago Mustangs, who in nine games netted 10 goals and picked up 10 assists.
>Defender Jose Martinez ,RGV Barracudas, who in his team's 12 regular season games had 24 goals and six assists.
>Defender Murilo Cerulli, Omaha Kings, who had 11 goals and 21 assists -- which was tops in the league -- in 12 games played in the regular season. F: Vitor Patriani (Amarillo Bombers)
> Goalkeeper Marijo Musa, Cleveland Crunch, who was last year's M2 Most Valuable Player in leading the Crunch to a championship. This season, Musa second overall in goals against average (5.41) and saves percentage (.715).
Third team all star selections are:
> Forward Mershand Ahmadi, New Mexico Runners. who played in just seven games, but scored 21 points on 18 goals and three assists.
> Forward Branson Felty, Wichita Wings, who appeared in 11 games with 16 goals and four assists. Four of his goals were game winners, which tied for the league lead in that category.
> Midfielder Manuel Lira, Omaha Kings, who advanced to M2's championship weekend thanks in large part to Lira who had 16 goals and 15 assists in 12 regular season games. His 31 total points was fourth best in M2 this season. His 15 assists was tied for third overall.
> Defenseman Dave Jordan, Cleveland Crunch, who in 12 games had 17 goals and seven assists.
> Defender Anthony Valencia, Turlock Express, who dressed in 11 games and scored six goals and recorded six assists.
> Goalkeeper Efren Flores , Omaha Kings, who was third overall in goals against average (7.81) and third overall as well in saves percentage (.642).
M2 first-team all stars will be announced on Sunday, May 22nd.