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

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Junior Chris Miller and freshman Matas Cyvas have been chosen as the most valuable offensive and defensive players, respectively, for the 2005 Illinois Wesleyan University men’s soccer team.
A midfielder, Miller (Normal, University High) led IWU with eight goals and 19 points with two game-winning goals. He was a second team all-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection and was named to the third team of the all-North Central region squad by members of the National Soccer Coaches Association.
Cyvas (Downers Grove, Benet Academy) was a first team all-CCIW selection as a defender for IWU, who was third in the CCIW allowing 1.29 goals per game.
Sophomore Ikenna Odinaka (Lagos, Nigeria) was chosen as the “Most Improved Player” for the Titans, who finished 7-7-4 overall and 1-3-3 in CCIW play. Odinaka scored three goals including two within 17 seconds in a 2-1 upset win over nationally-ranked Wheaton on Oct. 14.
Senior Ryan Smith (Decatur, Eisenhower HS) was also chosen to the third team of the NSCA all-North Central region squad. He had a 1.30 goals-against average and posted five shutouts.
First year head coach Ryan Lakin awarded letters to 17 IWU soccer players, including 14 who will return for next fall. The lettermen are, with hometowns and high schools:
SENIORS – Drew Brady (Glenview, Glenbrook South HS), Kevin Hegi (Wheaton, North HS), Ryan Smith (Decatur, Eisenhower HS).
JUNIORS - Ben Clemens (Wheaton, Benet Academy), 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).
SOPHOMORES – Colin Aubin (Orland Park, Sandburg HS), Ikenna Odinaka (Lagos, Nigeria), Andy Oleson (Bloomington, Normal Community HS).
FRESHMEN – John Blodgett (Portland, Ore., Cleveland HS), Jeff Carqueville (St. Charles, East HS), Matas Cyvas (Downers Grove, Benet Academy), Reggie Lara (Glenview, Notre Dame HS), Spencer Nedved (St. Paul, Minn., Academy).