Owens and Arriola Named Second-Team All-HCAC for DC Soccer

DEFIANCE, Ohio – After a rough start to the season with a dreadful non-conference schedule, the Defiance College men's soccer team came together to compete well in conference play. Senior Ryan Owens and sophomore Kevin Arriola were chosen for Second-Team All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference for their strong efforts over the year.  [All-HCAC Teams]

For the midfielder from Cincinnati, Ohio, Owens was an aggressive defender in the middle of the pitch. Though not large in stature (5-7, 155) he never gave an inch to any player he was guarding and was just an all-around scrappy player. There wasn't a loose ball or header that he wouldn't fight for no matter how big the opponent was. Owens played that way 100 percent of the time and it rubbed off on many of the players, as the team played more and more with a chip on their shoulder throughout the season. As one of only four seniors on the team, the Cincinnati Elder product was one of the most vocal on the squad and led the team well through the rough season. On the offensive end, Owens chipped in one goal on the season in the 3-0 victory over rival Bluffton.

The other DC soccer player to earn Second-Team All-HCAC honors was forward Kevin Arriola. Only in his second year with the program, the New Lebanon, Ohio native has been an offensive threat both seasons. After notching three goals in his rookie year, Arriola bumped up his total to five in his sophomore campaign to lead the team in scoring. Two of those scores were game-winners including one that opened up conference play with a win over Mount and broke a 10-game losing skid to start the season. This is his first all-conference award in his young career.

Lastly, the HCAC All-Sportsmanship team was announced as well and senior goalkeeper Sean Mukhtar was chosen as the member from the Yellow Jackets. The 4th year man from Shelby Township, Michigan was a great team player all season long. The senior waited his turn behind returning goalie Sean Roberts and never complained, while supporting him the entire year. Then his opportunities to guard the net came when injuries arose and Mukhtar performed more than admirably in goal for DC. Overall, the Michigan native played in nine matches, starting five, and finished with a team best 1.63 goals allowed average, while posting one shutout.