CLINTON, Miss. — Five Mississippi College men's soccer players were named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II All-South Region teams this week, adding to one of the most decorated seasons in program history.
Freshman Russell Berko, senior Lewis Matton and senior goalkeeper Cole Turner were selected to the first team. Junior defender Gage Sorey and senior midfielder Sergio Garrido earned second-team honors.
First Team
Cole Turner | Sr. | GK | Brandon, Miss.
Turner anchored one of the region's top defenses, finishing the season with 10 shutouts while allowing fewer than one goal per match. He was named Gulf South Conference Goalkeeper of the Year and earned first-team All-GSC honors. Turner also led the Choctaws to the NCAA South Region final during their postseason run.
Russell Berko | Fr. | F | Aylesbury, England
Berko continued a standout freshman campaign that included GSC Freshman of the Year and first-team All-GSC recognition. He was also named a D2CCA All-American after leading MC in goals and delivering several decisive performances late in the year. He becomes one of the program's youngest players to earn national postseason honors.
Lewis Matton | Sr. | F | Surrey, England
Matton closed his career with another regional honor after earning first-team All-GSC and D2CCA All-South Region recognition. A consistent attacking presence, he helped MC finish among the region's top scoring teams and was one of seven Choctaws to earn D2CCA region honors earlier this postseason.
Second Team
Gage Sorey | Jr. | D | Brandon, Miss.
Sorey earned his first All-Region selection after a breakout junior season that included first-team All-GSC honors. He played a central role in a defensive unit that propelled the Choctaws to the NCAA third round.
Sergio Garrido | Sr. | M | Pamplona, Spain
Garrido added another postseason accolade to a historic senior campaign. He swept the GSC's major awards, earning Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year honors, and was named a D2CCA All-American. His selection by the United Soccer Coaches further solidifies him as one of the top midfielders in Division II.
A Season Filled With Awards
The Choctaws' five United Soccer Coaches All-Region selections follow a postseason slate that included sweeping the GSC's yearly awards, placing seven players on the All-GSC teams and earning a region-best seven D2CCA All-South Region picks. MC finished 15-4-3 and reached the NCAA Elite Eight, marking the deepest NCAA Tournament run of the program's Division II era.
