Men's Soccer Hands Out Season Awards at Banquet

Jan. 21, 2007

MILWAUKEE - Members of the Marquette soccer team gathered on Sunday, January 21 to honor deserving team members at an awards luncheon. Head coach Louis Bennett, associate head coach Stan Anderson and assistant coaches Khaled El-Ahmad and Jesse Rosen presented the awards for the 2006 season.

The Most Valuable Player of the 2006 season was awarded to senior Nathan Sabich. A four-year letterwinner, Sabich earned the MVP award by being one of the toughest, hardest working individuals on the team.

"There was never a question about whether of not Nathan Sabich was going to be in the lineup. He was always the first person on the lineup sheet," Bennett said. "We could have had a couple of guys win this award. Bryan Dahlquist, Matt Blouin or Matt Soper if he was healthy all year. But it was the fact that Nathan was always ready and the most consistent player during the year is the reason he's the MVP. He showed his toughness by playing through a broken nose. There was never a doubt as to whether or not he was going to play."

Freshman Tim Jallow was named the team's Most Improved Player. From Uppsala, Sweden, Jallow not only had to adjust to the college soccer game, he had to adjust to living thousands of miles from home on a different continent. His ability to make adjustments to life on and off the field was key to winning this honor.

"From the time Tim touched down in America, there were a lot of things he didn't expect. His life flipped upside down," Bennett said. "In a short two and a half months, Tim went from just another player to a player of significant influence during a game and in practice. His biggest attribute is that he had to have a bend but don't break attitude. He started turning into the player we knew he could be last year, and he still has so much potential that he can reach."

One of the most competitive awards had to be Newcomer of the Year. On a squad filled with fresh faces, freshman goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski was selected as the best of the bunch. Pyzdrowski split time in net as injuries forced the somewhat regular switch from one goalkeeper to the next. Despite the injuries and unsettled nature of shuffling starters at the position, Pyzdrowski was always ready for action.

"His ability to be consistent in a very inconsistent environment was beneficial for us," Bennett said. "He was in a position where he could have given up very easily, but he showed that he's here to make a difference."

"He accepted the challenge in front of him by coming here," Anderson, MU's goalkeeper coach, added. "There were times he played like a sheet of plexiglass with gloves. That was important for us. His best soccer is still ahead of him."

Junior Mike Carlson was named the team's Soccer Scholar. This award is presented to the team's highest cumulative GPA holder. The winner also has to be on the roster for at least two semesters. Carlson proved he can handle the demands of Division I soccer and the rigors of the classroom with ease.

"Mike displayed a good balance of academics and athletics. It's something he should be proud of and this award is well deserved," Bennett said. "He's shown the proper balance of school, soccer and social life. As our lone senior next year, he will be a leader to the large amount of underclassmen that you can be successful in the classroom and on the field."

The award for the Golden Boot went to senior Matt Blouin and sophomore Dan Addis.

"Both players were dangerous for us at times," Bennett said. "The beauty of this is that Addis will have many more chances next year to retain the award, but he will face a challenge."

The luncheon also served as the chance to honor the program's six seniors -- Blouin, Dahlquist, Marc Dettmann, Bennett Lafferty, Soper and Sabich. Bennett commented on the class giving them high praise.

"I give credit to the seniors for showing faith in the team and believing in what we were doing despite some adversity," Bennett said.