4 Lakers named OUA soccer all-stars

The Ontario University Athletics (OUA) announced its 2008 OUA men’s and women’s soccer all-stars and major award winners in which four Nipissing soccer players were recognized.

Lady Lakers striker and co-captain Leesa Church and goal keeper Sam Behm were named OUA East first team all-stars. Church had an immediate impact for the Lady Lakers as she tallied 15 goals in 14 games finishing second in scoring in both Ontario (OUA) and Canada (CIS).

Behm was stellar in many games for the Lady Lakers as she consistently made highlight real saves to keep her team in games. Behm finished the season with 3 shutouts and a record of six wins, 3 losses and one tie.

“Leesa (Church) has been a great addition to our team,” said head coach Vito Castiglione.

“She has been able to find the back of the net on a consistent basis and she has the ability to take on any defender and create scoring opportunities.

Castiglione had equal praise for his all-star goalkeeper.

“Sam (Behm) played brilliantly for us this year," he said.

"She made many great saves that kept us in close games all year. She played fearless and had great command of the 18 yard box. She displayed cat like reflexes and shut down some quality strikers that are also members of the OUA first team All-stars.

“They both are quality individuals and are true ambassadors of the University, the OUA and the sport of women's soccer,” added Castiglione.

The Lady Lakers set a new benchmark for wins and points for a season finishing with a 7-6-1 record with 22points. Church also set the Nipissing Lady Lakers single season scoring record held previously by Nicole O’Brien who scored 12 goals in 2006-2007.

The Laker 4th year midfielder and captain Mustafa Zafarzadeh was recognized as a first team all-star while Mohammed Nyangado in his third season was named a second team all-star. Head Coach Tony D'Agostino stated that Mustafa and Mohammed are both well deserving of the recognition.

“Mustafa is gifted technically and excels at leading by example," said D'Agostino.

"He is perhaps one of the hardest working players to come through our program, whether in training or in matches. He is a great distributor of the ball and has that sheer desire that generally cannot be taught of winning the ball back in the midfield. Mustafa is a very intelligent player who knows the game quite well.

“Mohammed is also a technically gifted player and cannot be dispossessed of the ball in most one on one situations. Mohammed played a variety of positions and did so for the good of the team without hesitation. He is a great distributor of the ball and excels at re-starts anywhere near the penalty area and a great tackler.”

D'Agostino indicates both players have been integral parts of the success of the Lakers program during the last few years.

The Lakers finished the season with a 2-8-4 regular season record and finished 7th in the OUA East division.

Photo of Leesa Church courtesy Nipissing University