Opal, Cyvas Tabbed as IWU Men’s Soccer “Most Valuable Players”

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Senior midfielder Mark Opal and sophomore Matas Cyvas (pronounced “CHEE-vas”) have been chosen as the most valuable offensive and defensive players, respectively, for the 2006 Illinois Wesleyan University men’s soccer team.

Opal (Wheaton, Benet Academy), a second team all-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection, led the 2006 Titans in scoring with 21 points and nine goals with four game-winners. He finished his career No. 6 at IWU in scoring (46 points) and goals (17) and No. 4 with 12 assists.

Cyvas (Downers Grove, Benet Academy) was an all-CCIW selection as a defender for the second straight season.

Freshman goalkeeper Win Fisher (Birmingham, Ala., Mountain Brook HS) and senior midfielder Joshua Lacey (Eldridge, Iowa, North Scott HS) were chosen as co-winners of the “Most Improved Player” honor for the Titans, who finished 7-10-1 overall and 3-3-1 in CCIW play.

Fisher was a starter in eight games and had a 2.26 goals-against average with 28 saves.

All-Region Selections

Cyvas was chosen to the second team of the NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division III all-North Region squad while Opal and senior midfielder Chris Miller were selected to the third team.

Miller (Normal, University High) had five goals, six assists and 16 points this fall. He is a third team all-region selection for the second straight year as he ended his career ranked No. 2 at the school in career scoring with 63 points and tied for No. 2 with 25 goals and 13 assists.

Head coach Ryan Lakin awarded letters to 21 IWU soccer players, including 11 who will return for next fall. The lettermen are, with hometowns and high schools:

SENIORS –Ben Clemens (Wheaton, Benet Academy), Andrew Kloepper (Naperville, Benet Academy), Joshua Lacey (Eldridge, Iowa, North Scott HS), Chris Miller (Normal, University High), Mark Opal (Wheaton, Benet Academy), Steve Perona (Western Springs, Lyons Township HS), Andrew Schmitz (Arlington Heights, Hersey HS), Brad Shearn (Wheeling, Buffalo Grove HS), Jason Somogyi (Mapleton, Illini Bluffs HS).

JUNIORS – Colin Aubin (Orland Park, Sandburg HS), Ikenna Odinaka (Lagos, Nigeria).

SOPHOMORES – John Blodgett (Portland, Ore., Cleveland HS), Jeff Carqueville (St. Charles, East HS), Matas Cyvas (Downers Grove, Benet Academy), Reggie Lara (Glenview, Notre Dame HS), Jason Lopez (Naperville, Neuqua Valley HS), Spencer Nedved (St. Paul, Minn., Academy), Stephen Rensa (St. Charles, St. Francis Prep).

FRESHMEN – Win Fisher (Birmingham, Ala., Mountain Brook HS), Tim Johnson (Mundelein HS), Paulo Michelini (Ames, Iowa HS).