Kansas City, MO – After a strong season capped off with a second-straight trip to the NAIA National Tournament Semifinals, a trio of Patriots men's soccer players were recognized as NAIA All-Americans, NAIA officials announced Tuesday. Bruno Garcia garnered NAIA Second Team All-American accolades, while Mario Fernandez Garcia and Javiero Izquierdo-Cuervo were named NAIA Third Team All-Americans. 

Garcia becomes just the latest Patriot to earn All-American recognition as he caps off a standout year anchoring Cumberlands' backline. The graduate student and team captain earned his first career All-American honor, adding to an impressive list of awards that included NAIA All-Tournament Team, MSC First Team All-Conference, MSC Defender of the Week (10/20), NAIA Scholar-Athlete, and MSC Academic All-Conference. The center back was instrumental in organizing the Patriots' defensive efforts throughout the season and played a crucial role in UC's semifinal run. 

Fernandez Garcia earned NAIA Third Team All-American honors after a career season in the midfield. The senior was a consistent force for the Patriots, earning MSC First Team All-Conference, NAIA Scholar-Athlete, and MSC Academic All-Conference recognition. A driving presence in the attack and possession, Fernandez Garcia's ability to control tempo and create opportunities was vital to UC's success throughout the year. 

After anchoring the Patriots between the posts for a second straight deep postseason run, Izquierdo-Cuervo captured NAIA Third Team All-American accolades. This marks the second consecutive year the senior goalkeeper has earned All-American recognition, after taking NAIA Second Team All-American honors in 2024. Izquierdo-Cuervo added MSC Second Team All-Conference recognition this season, along with MSC Defender of the Week (8/25, 9/29), NAIA Scholar-Athlete, and MSC Academic All-Conference honors. His steady presence and clutch performances, including multiple key saves throughout the year, were central to UC advancing to the national semifinals once again. 

This marks another historic year for the Patriots program, as UC continued its rise among the nation's elite. The Patriots closed out the season with a 9-6-6 record, captured the Mid-South Conference Regular Season Title, and advanced to the NAIA Semifinals for the second straight year. 

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