Bulls Named Striker of the Year, Houapeu Midfielder of the Year, Saunders and Paddock Named to All-Rookie Team
There were only two players in the America East that were unanimous selections to the all-conference team, those two players were Andrew Bulls and Levi Houapeu, who were also named the AEC striker and midfielder of the year, respectively.
It does not come as a surprise at all that the two were named first team all-conference, they are one and two in the nation in goals and points, and two and three in assists, and have just dominated competition all season.
Andrew Bulls
After scoring 15 goals with 10 assists for 40 points, Bulls was named striker of the year, making him the first since UMBC joined the America East. Bulls has been the highest scoring player in the nation since the end of the first week of games, and his 15 goals is the sixth-most in school history, and most since Derek McElligott in 2003.
Levi Houapeu
Amazingly enough Houapeu has been just as dominate as Bulls this season. Getting one player with a double-double is great, but Houapeu has 14 goals and 11 assists for 39 points this year. Two times this year Houapeu has recorded a hat trick and his 11 assists is tied for fourth most in school history.
The last America East midfielder of the year for UMBC was Matt Watson, who took home the award in both the 2004 and 2005 seasons. This year also marks the first time UMBC has had two first-team all-conference players since Watson and defender Marcus Gross were named to it in 2005.
UMBC had two other players take home awards. Both Liam Paddock and Phil Saunders were named to the all-rookie team.
Liam Paddock
Paddock, an import from England, started all 16 games in which he played. He missed on game because of a yellow card violation. He played all 16 games at center back, and was a big reason for wins over Boston U and Albany when fellow center back Chris Williams was out with an injury.
Phil Saunders
Saunders started all 17 games in goal and became the first freshman to start the season opener since Soren Byskov did in 1997. He recorded 60 saved and a .750 save% with just a 1.20 goals against average.
