ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The University Athletic Association released its 2023 UAA Men's Soccer Honors, Monday, November 13. First-year Quentin Gomez highlighted WashU's awards, being named the conference's Rookie of the Year. Gomez is the only first-year to appear on the first or second team. Senior Owen Culver landed on the first team, while junior Eugene Heger and sophomore Nathan Szpak grabbed honorable mention status.
The Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team finished the 2023 UAA slate with a 2-5 record and finished sixth in the league.
Gomez, who appeared in all seven UAA league contests, is the first Bear to secure the Rookie of the Year award since John Smelcer was named Rookie of the Year in 2006. The UAA began the Rookie of the Year specialty award in 2000.
Gomez earned one goal in league action, for a total of two points. Gomez scored against New York University on October 14. Additionally, Gomez laced four shots (two on frame) in his 615 league minutes. Gomez accumulated the second-most UAA minutes on the roster (Heger led with 623 minutes).
Culver landed a spot on the All-UAA First Team for the third consecutive season. Culver was named to the All-UAA First Team in 2021 and 2022. Culver started six league matches and appeared in all seven. In UAA action, Culver welcomed team-highs of goals (three), points (seven), shots (30), shots on goal (12), and game-winning goals (two). Culver also tied for the team-lead with one assist.
Culver scored two goals against Carnegie Mellon (October 20) and one goal against CWRU (October 22). In addition, Culver was named UAA Offensive Athlete of the Week on October 23.
Heger earned All-UAA Honorable Mention status for the second time in his career (2021). Heger accumulated the most league minutes on the team with 623. Heger was credited with one assist (Carnegie Mellon, October 20).
Szpak finds himself on the UAA Honors list for the first time in his career. Szpak, an honorable mention selection, started six league matches. Szpak played a vital defensive role that led to two UAA shutouts this season.
