by Mackenzie McMahon
Four members of the Hope College men's soccer team have made the 2021 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Teams.
Sophomores Matt Wimmer and Brandon Fles were selected for the first-team, while sophomore Ethan Jansen and junior Jackson Strabel are on the second-team.
Starting all seven conference games for the Flying Dutchmen, Wimmer has tallied four points on two goals in conference play (three goals and two assists overall). Both of the midfielder's goals were game-winners.
The first time All-MIAA honoree is currently tied for first in game-winning goals for the orange and blue, and is third on the team in both shots (23) and shots on goal (12).
"Matt has become a mainstay in a very strong midfield for us now as a sophomore, and has what we think is a really bright future these next two years," said head coach Dave Brandt. "An excellent ball-winner in the center of the field, he is also a very strong dribbler, and a constant threat to slip teammates in behind the opponents defense."
Fles, who has also been a starter in all seven conference games, is receiving All-MIAA honors for the second time.
The sophomore defender has put in one game-winning-goal this season during conference play, and has sent six shots out on opposing goaltenders.
"Brandon has established himself as a dominant central defender, again, both in our league, and in the region at large. His size, strength, and physicality, are huge strengths, and make him a force to be dealt with as a player," Brandt remarked about Fles. "He has battled physical issues all season and I think we still haven't seen Brandon at his best and what he is capable of."
Jansen, the mechanical engineering major, has seen time on the field for all seven conference games, firing off six shots., and tallying two assists.
"Ethan has emerged as a strong physical presence in midfield, capable of striking and scoring, but also a big defensive presence; strong in the air, and an excellent tackler, in addition ton his passing ability and very good range as a passer," said Brandt of Jansen. "He is able to to both connect short, crisp passes, as well as spray the ball long to switch fields, or play a teammate in behind the defense."
The midfielder is receiving All-MIAA honors the first time in his career.
A two-time All-MIAA team member, Strabel, has tallied one goal in seven conference games played (one goal and three assists overall).
The defender has sent out 12 shots for the Flying Dutchmen.
"Jackson has established himself as a dominant player on our team, and in the conference and region," remarked Brandt. "He has been a mainstay at right back, and is both an excellent 1v1 defender, and the most dangerous wing back in attack that I've seen at this level in the time I've been at Hope."
