Avila, Borden & Cruz Earn United Soccer Coaches Player of Distinction Award
Jun 10 | Men's Soccer
Scarlet Knights trio honored for performance, leadership, and character
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Rutgers men's soccer student-athletes Pablo Avila, Vincent Borden, and Nick Cruz have been selected as United Soccer Coaches Player of Distinction Award recipients for the Spring 2021 season.
The Scarlet Knights trio are part of 184 men's players to be bestowed the award across the nation. United Soccer Coaches is committed to extending opportunities for its college members to recognize their significant players and contributions to their programs. The new College Player of Distinction Award was established this spring for its member head coaches to submit deserving player based on one or more of the following criteria:
Borden made nine starts on the RU backline, which posted four shutout victories during the Spring, a mark that ranked second in the Big Ten. The Ithaca, New York native netted a goal during his senior campaign, the third of his career, and plans on returning to Rutgers for an additional year while working on a master's degree "On the Banks."
Cruz had one of the largest expansions of responsibility during the Spring 2021 season as compared to previous years. The dynamic midfielder played the third most minutes on the squad, and tallied an assist on offense while showing range back on defense and helping contribute to Rutgers' four shutout wins.
Under second-year head coach Jim McElderry, the Spring 2021 Scarlet Knights squad tied its best win percentage in Big Ten play with a 4-4 mark. Rutgers began its campaign 3-1 for its best start ever in the Big Ten while grabbing historic victories over Michigan State (first ever) and Maryland (firsts since 1995).
Follow Rutgers men's soccer on Twitter and Instagram (@RUMensSoccer) for all of the latest news and updates. The team is also on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/RUMensSoccer). For all Rutgers Athletics news follow us on Twitter(@RUAthletics), Instagram (@RUAthletics), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics). For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.
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The Scarlet Knights trio are part of 184 men's players to be bestowed the award across the nation. United Soccer Coaches is committed to extending opportunities for its college members to recognize their significant players and contributions to their programs. The new College Player of Distinction Award was established this spring for its member head coaches to submit deserving player based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Player has achieved quality performance on the field;
- Represented the highest ideals of team leadership;
- Exhibited quality character attributes including sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, officials and the game in general;
- Made other significant contributions to the benefit of the program and the community.
Borden made nine starts on the RU backline, which posted four shutout victories during the Spring, a mark that ranked second in the Big Ten. The Ithaca, New York native netted a goal during his senior campaign, the third of his career, and plans on returning to Rutgers for an additional year while working on a master's degree "On the Banks."
Cruz had one of the largest expansions of responsibility during the Spring 2021 season as compared to previous years. The dynamic midfielder played the third most minutes on the squad, and tallied an assist on offense while showing range back on defense and helping contribute to Rutgers' four shutout wins.
Under second-year head coach Jim McElderry, the Spring 2021 Scarlet Knights squad tied its best win percentage in Big Ten play with a 4-4 mark. Rutgers began its campaign 3-1 for its best start ever in the Big Ten while grabbing historic victories over Michigan State (first ever) and Maryland (firsts since 1995).
Follow Rutgers men's soccer on Twitter and Instagram (@RUMensSoccer) for all of the latest news and updates. The team is also on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/RUMensSoccer). For all Rutgers Athletics news follow us on Twitter(@RUAthletics), Instagram (@RUAthletics), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics). For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.
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