The Blinn College men’s soccer team’s successful 2023 campaign recently was recognized with six Region XIV all-region selections.
Sophomore forward David Garcia and sophomore midfielder Toby Lansdowne were given first-team nods, while sophomore midfielder Joe Loughnane, sophomore defender Flynn Toon, freshman defender Phillipp Mokwa, and freshman forward Cesar Duran landed on the second team.
The six selections are a program record, topping the team’s previous high of four (2022).
“This year’s awards are a record-breaking number, which is a testament to the team and the individuals who received these awards,” Buccaneers head coach Michael McBride said. “These awards are voted on by the region coaches, and having people outside of the team recognize these players is special.”
(Pictured: From left, Blinn sophomores David Garcia, Toby Lansdowne, and Joe Loughnane)
Blinn finished its year with a 14-7 record, surpassing its previous single-season win mark of 13 set in 2022. The Bucs also qualified for the postseason for the sixth time and earned their second postseason victory in program history when they defeated Paris Junior College in the opening round of the Gulf South District Tournament on Oct. 28. Additionally, the team was ranked 13th in the United Soccer Coaches Division I Junior College poll of the year.
Each of Blinn’s six all-region picks was instrumental to the team’s stellar run.
Garcia completed a two-year stint with the Bucs by becoming the team’s single-season and career record holder in goals scored. His 19 goals this fall were tied for the second most in NJCAA Division I soccer. He finished with 35 during his two seasons. Garcia also tallied four game-winning goals this season and recorded seven assists.
(Pictured: From left, Blinn sophomore Flynn Toon and freshmen Cesar Duran and Phillipp Mokwa)
Lansdowne was a vital ball distributor for a team that averaged four goals per match (84 total). The second-year player led the team with 13 assists to go with four goals, including one game winner. His 13 assists ranked him second in the nation in that category.
Loughnane was limited to just 10 matches in his second season as a Buc, but thrived to the tune of six goals (one game winner) and eight assists. Duran made his collegiate debut by totaling seven goals with eight assists. Mokwa scored two goals and trailed only Lansdowne with 12 assists. Toon added three goals and six assists for the Bucs.?
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 44?NJCAA national championships since 1987.
