ARLINGTON, TX - Seattle U men's soccer was well represented in the 2023 Western Athletic Conference postseason awards, as announced by the conference Thursday morning. Highlighting the selections were the offensive, goalkeeper, and coach of the year
After leading the Redhawks to their highest national ranking in program history and to an unbeaten conference run, first-year head coach Nate Daligcon was named the WAC Coach of the Year. The long-time assistant coach took over the program prior to the 2023 season and instantly had the Redhawks on the national stage. Seattle U ended the regular season with a 10-2-3 mark and as the 10th ranked team in the United Soccer Coaches' Poll. This is the fourth time the Redhawks have been honored with the top coach in the league, the previous three going to Pete Fewing ('19, '15, '13).
Forward James Morris was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the team and conference in goals and assists. The senior from Doncaster had a triumphant return to the pitch after missing a majority of the 2022 season due to injury. His 10 goals and seven assists also moved him into the top-5 all-time in a Redhawk career. He was named the conference's Player of the Week three times and captained the team to a regular season title. Morris is the first Redhawk since Miguel Gonzalez (2013) to be named the conference's top offensive player.
"James has been great all season," said coach Daligcon. "it's not often a player leads the conference in goals and assists. After missing last season through injury, James came into the season focused and ready to lead, he provided the team with timely goals and assists all season, and this is a well-deserved award."
In his first season as the starter in goal, Charlie Lanphier was named the WAC Goalkeeper of the year. The Sophomore from Sammamish posted a 10-1-2 record with five shutouts and 37 saves on the season. He recorded his first colligate win in his first ever start, as the Redhawks blanked South Florida, 2-0, back in August. His 10 wins on the year places him 9th in program history for single-season goalkeeper wins. This is the first season for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, making Lanphier the inaugural recipient.
"Very happy for Charlie," Daligcon added of his keeper. "His growth this year has been great to watch. He has worked extremely hard to get to this position and I'm glad that he is getting the recognition he deserves."
Joining Morris and Lanphier as First Team All-WAC selections were defender Kotaro Hirokawa, defender Jaden Manetta, and midfielder Taketo Onodera. Making the Second Team were defender Demian Alvarez, midfielder Joon Lee, and forward Yeider Zuluaga.
The eight All-WAC selections for Seattle U topped the conference and were the most single-season selections in program history.
Seattle U will be back on the field on Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the WAC tournament semifinals. Earning a first-round bye as the top seed, the Redhawks await the winner of the 5/4 matchup between UNLV and Utah Valley. Kickoff from Las Vegas is set for 4pm PT with the match being broadcast live on ESPN+.
After leading the Redhawks to their highest national ranking in program history and to an unbeaten conference run, first-year head coach Nate Daligcon was named the WAC Coach of the Year. The long-time assistant coach took over the program prior to the 2023 season and instantly had the Redhawks on the national stage. Seattle U ended the regular season with a 10-2-3 mark and as the 10th ranked team in the United Soccer Coaches' Poll. This is the fourth time the Redhawks have been honored with the top coach in the league, the previous three going to Pete Fewing ('19, '15, '13).
Forward James Morris was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the team and conference in goals and assists. The senior from Doncaster had a triumphant return to the pitch after missing a majority of the 2022 season due to injury. His 10 goals and seven assists also moved him into the top-5 all-time in a Redhawk career. He was named the conference's Player of the Week three times and captained the team to a regular season title. Morris is the first Redhawk since Miguel Gonzalez (2013) to be named the conference's top offensive player.
"James has been great all season," said coach Daligcon. "it's not often a player leads the conference in goals and assists. After missing last season through injury, James came into the season focused and ready to lead, he provided the team with timely goals and assists all season, and this is a well-deserved award."
In his first season as the starter in goal, Charlie Lanphier was named the WAC Goalkeeper of the year. The Sophomore from Sammamish posted a 10-1-2 record with five shutouts and 37 saves on the season. He recorded his first colligate win in his first ever start, as the Redhawks blanked South Florida, 2-0, back in August. His 10 wins on the year places him 9th in program history for single-season goalkeeper wins. This is the first season for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, making Lanphier the inaugural recipient.
"Very happy for Charlie," Daligcon added of his keeper. "His growth this year has been great to watch. He has worked extremely hard to get to this position and I'm glad that he is getting the recognition he deserves."
Joining Morris and Lanphier as First Team All-WAC selections were defender Kotaro Hirokawa, defender Jaden Manetta, and midfielder Taketo Onodera. Making the Second Team were defender Demian Alvarez, midfielder Joon Lee, and forward Yeider Zuluaga.
The eight All-WAC selections for Seattle U topped the conference and were the most single-season selections in program history.
Seattle U will be back on the field on Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the WAC tournament semifinals. Earning a first-round bye as the top seed, the Redhawks await the winner of the 5/4 matchup between UNLV and Utah Valley. Kickoff from Las Vegas is set for 4pm PT with the match being broadcast live on ESPN+.