NJCAA Region III announced their All-Region teams Tuesday afternoon. Abdi Osman and Romaine Watkis each found themselves on 1st Team All-Region while Zach Gleasman, Chiekh Abdoullah Niasse, Abdi Somow, and Erick Ramos all found themselves on 2nd Team All-Region. Coach Dominic DiMaggio was named Region III Coach of the Year.
1st Team All Region
Osman played most of the season as a left back and helped guide the Hawks to a school record, 14 shutouts while also finding the back of the net 3 times while assisting on 5 other goals for a total of 11 points. Osman was also an All-Conference selection. "Abdi was a great leader for us this season and in my opinion was one of the top defenders that I've seen in the country this season."
Watkis played most of the year as a holding midfielder and was also named to the All-Conference team. Romaine scored 9 goals and tallied 6 assists for a total of 24 points. "Romaine was a major difference maker for us in the middle this season. We are extremely excited to have him back for another season."'
2nd Team All Region
Gleasman broke the single season scoring record at MVCC tallying 21 goals and 5 assists for a total of 47 points as a center midfielder. Gleasman recorded hat-tricks this season against Erie and Tompkins-Cortland. "Gleasman was able to provide us goals when needed this year, his ability to finish is second to none. I'm proud of the strides Gleasman made throughout the year especially after a horrible knee injury just 15 months ago."
Niasse scored 13 goals and had 3 assists in his first season at MVCC. His 29 points were good for second on the team. Niasse was also an All-Conference selection. "Abdoullah was a handful for defenses this season. His stats don't give justice to what Abdoullah did for us on the field. The amount of attention he draws from defenders makes the game easier for everyone else around him."
Somow who played as a central midfielder recorded 3 goals and 2 assists on the season. Somow was a box-to-box midfielder. "Abdi was an essential part of our midfield this season. His willingness to track and defend was extremely important especially in transition."
Ramos who played center back for the Hawks, helped lead the Hawks to 14 shutouts while also scoring 4 goals and recording 5 assists. Ramos finishes his career at MVCC with 9 goals and 16 assists. "Erick's poise, confidence, and ability to hit a long diagonal in the back allowed us to play an exciting brand of soccer."
Coach DiMaggio was also named Region III Coach of the Year after being named Co-Coach of the Year for the conference. DiMaggio's Hawks improved from a 9-7-1 record last year to an impressive 18-3 season this year.