Bowling Green, KY – Following another impressive campaign under Head Coach Paulo Neto, the sixth-ranked University of the Cumberlands men's soccer team earned seven Mid-South Conference honors, highlighted by Neto being named MSC Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach Jack Smith being selected as MSC Assistant Coach of the Year. 

Cumberlands placed five players on the All-Conference teams, including two First Team and three Second Team selections, after finishing the regular season with an 8-4-4 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play. 

Earning First Team All-Conference honors are Bruno Garcia and Mario Fernandez Garcia, while Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo, Emil Skursch, and Leandro Nico Romero Protto were each named to the Second Team All-Conference. 

For graduate student Bruno Garcia, this marks his fourth consecutive All-Conference recognition and second career First Team selection. A veteran leader on the Patriots' back line, Garcia anchored a defense that limited opponents to just one goal per game while holding teams to a .124 shot percentage and recording eight shutouts on the season. 

Mario Fernandez Garcia earns his second All-Conference nod after controlling the midfield throughout the year. The junior tallied four assists and one goal to finish with six points, serving as a creative spark for UC's balanced attack that netted 26 goals across 17 matches. 

In goal, Javiero Izquierdo Cuervo earns his second straight All-Conference honor after another stellar season. The senior logged recorded 47 saves and posted a .750 save percentage with eight shutouts and a 1.08 goals-against average. 

Senior Emil Skursch picks up his second career All-Conference selection, providing steady presence and composure in the midfield. Skursch contributed both defensively and offensively with one assist while helping UC control possession throughout the season. 

Freshman forward Leandro Nico Romero Protto rounds out UC's honorees with his first career All-Conference recognition. Despite limited appearances, he made an immediate impact with three goals in five matches, including two game-winners, while boasting a .500 shot percentage. 

Head Coach Paulo Neto earns Mid-South Coach of the Year award after leading the Patriots to another nationally ranked season. Under his guidance, UC has continued to be one of the league's most consistent and disciplined programs. 

Assistant Coach Jack Smith was named MSC Assistant Coach of the Year, marking his first time receiving the honor. Smith has been instrumental in player development and tactical preparation, helping the Patriots maintain one of the stingiest defenses in the conference. 

Cumberlands now awaits potential selection to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round, releasing on November 14th.  

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