Dynamic Duo Named All-American
11/29/2017 5:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A day after grabbing All-West Region honors, two California Baptist University players were named to the United Soccer Coaches All-America teams. It's the first time since 2012 the Lancers have had an All-American named.
Aidan Apodaca picked up first-team recognition, while Abe Placito was named to the second team after the dynamic duo led CBU (17-1-2) to its best finish in the NCAA era. The No. 2-ranked Lancers went undefeated in the regular season, advanced to the West Region championship game, set a new program record unbeaten streak, tied the program's most wins in a season, won the PacWest title outright and hosted the first and second rounds of the postseason for the first time in program history.
Apodaca was a big factor in CBU's prolific offense, which ranks first in D-II with a 2.95 goals per game average. The senior forward scored more goals than any other striker in the NCAA, across all three divisions, finishing the year with 29 in 20 games. It put CBU's tally to 59 on the year, which is a program record.
Not only did his 29 goals set the single-season record at CBU – and the PacWest – it put his career tally to 48 goals, which also set a new program record. Apodaca now owns all three scoring records after breaking the single-game record with five goals in the Lancers' 5-0 win over Northwest Nazarene earlier this year.
Defensively, Placito played a big role in limiting the opposition's looks on goal. He anchored the Lancer backline, helping CBU boast the seventh-best goals against average in D-II (.582), which also was the best team GAA in program history. As a team, the Lancers posted a program-best 11 shutouts with the senior centerback, allowing opponents just 47 shots on goal all year and just 12 goals, which also is a program best.
Placito also got into the attack, scoring two goals and assisting on six others. He scored the game-winner in CBU's 2-1 double-overtime victory at Dixie State.
Complete United Soccer Coaches All-America Teams
Aidan Apodaca picked up first-team recognition, while Abe Placito was named to the second team after the dynamic duo led CBU (17-1-2) to its best finish in the NCAA era. The No. 2-ranked Lancers went undefeated in the regular season, advanced to the West Region championship game, set a new program record unbeaten streak, tied the program's most wins in a season, won the PacWest title outright and hosted the first and second rounds of the postseason for the first time in program history.
Apodaca was a big factor in CBU's prolific offense, which ranks first in D-II with a 2.95 goals per game average. The senior forward scored more goals than any other striker in the NCAA, across all three divisions, finishing the year with 29 in 20 games. It put CBU's tally to 59 on the year, which is a program record.
Not only did his 29 goals set the single-season record at CBU – and the PacWest – it put his career tally to 48 goals, which also set a new program record. Apodaca now owns all three scoring records after breaking the single-game record with five goals in the Lancers' 5-0 win over Northwest Nazarene earlier this year.
Defensively, Placito played a big role in limiting the opposition's looks on goal. He anchored the Lancer backline, helping CBU boast the seventh-best goals against average in D-II (.582), which also was the best team GAA in program history. As a team, the Lancers posted a program-best 11 shutouts with the senior centerback, allowing opponents just 47 shots on goal all year and just 12 goals, which also is a program best.
Placito also got into the attack, scoring two goals and assisting on six others. He scored the game-winner in CBU's 2-1 double-overtime victory at Dixie State.
Complete United Soccer Coaches All-America Teams
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