Feb. 11, 2008

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In a room filled with handshakes, smiles and photographs, the Dayton Flyers men's soccer team not only honored their 2007 award winners but provided a glimpse to the upcoming season.

At the annual men's soccer awards banquet, head coach Dennis Currier honored his team after completing a season in which UD went 10-4-5 overall, advanced to the opening round of the 2007 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Championship and were as high as No. 3 the NSCAA/adidas® Middle Atlantic Regional Rankings.

"The annual banquet gives us an opportunity to look back and reflect on the season with the fans," Currier said. "I think this year it's always makes it better when you have student-athletes that are honored academically and for their accomplishments on the field."

Alex Torda earned the White-Allen Most Valuable Player award. Torda received numerous accolades after a breakout season where he led the Flyers in scoring from the midfield position with six goals, five assists and 17 points. Torda was a First Team, All-Atlantic 10 selection, First Team NSCAA/adidas Division I All-Region, Mid-Atlantic Team and 2007 All-Ohio Team.

The Coaches Achievement Award went to Ryan Hartman. In the preseason, Hartman earned the coveted "Red Jersey" which goes to the individual who is a symbol of physical and mental determination, competition, and pride. A tireless worker on-and-off the field, Hartman appeared in 10 games and made two starts this season for UD.

Atlantic 10 Honorable Mention goalkeeper Zac Gibbens tallied the Defensive Player of the Year award. Gibbens ranked among the conference's Top Five in victories, goals against average and save percentage. The Loveland, Colo. native went 10-4-5 with a 0.89 goals against average and a .783 save percentage with six shutouts in 2007.

Finally, Josh Albers picked up the team's Rookie of the Year award. Albers earned the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week award on Oct. 8 after scoring his second goal of the season. The midfielder finished the year tied for fourth on the team in points with two goals and five assists in 19 games.