Two from Men's Soccer Selected to All-MIAA First Team

Defender Cole Pauly and midfielder Mario Hrvojevic are honored.

Midfielder Mario Hrvojevic and defender Cole Pauly delivered for the Hope College men's soccer team in big ways this season.

The dynamic duo for the Flying Dutchmen both received All-MIAA First Team honors from the league's records. They are joined by two teammates who made the All-MIAA Second Team: defender Jake Lyon and forward Seth Walters.

"The all-conference nods for all four of these players is well-deserved and the result of their commitment and hard work," head coach David Blahnik said. "Each one of them shows up to practice each day with the intention of helping their team get better that day and this acknowledgment from the MIAA coaches they compete against is a result of their consistency and work ethic."

The group helped Hope earn the No. 2 seed in the MIAA Tournament with a 4-2-1 league record. The Flying Dutchmen host third-seeded Trine University tonight in a 6 p.m. semifinal at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Hrvojevic (Lincolnwood, Illinois / Loyola Academy) claimed his first All-MIAA distinction by recording a team-high nine points during league play. The sophomore collected three goals and three assists.

"Mario has been a true playmaker this season," Hrvojevic said. "Mario is someone who each team game plans for, but he still finds ways to be dangerous because of his versatility and ability to adjust to each individual opponent."

Pauly (Mundelein, Illinois / Mundelein) played a significant role in the Flying Dutchmen's defense, who recorded a 0.71 goals against average during MIAA games. The freshman also chipped in a goal during league play.

"Cole's play alone has been deserving of being awarded but his leadership has been just as important," Blahnik said. "Cole has anchored a defense that has been consistently difficult for some of the top teams in the country to break down."

Lyon, a junior from Farmington Hills, Michigan (Marshall HS), also assisted in Hope's stellar defense.

"Jake's athleticism has saved us many times this year and he is one of the best 1v1 defenders I have ever coached," Blahnik said. "Jake was asked to play a position he has not played before, and he has bought into his role and positional responsibilities."

Walters (St. Joseph, Michigan / St. Joseph) scored three goals during MIAA play in his first collegiate season.

"Even though Seth is a true freshman, he has the respect of every player on his team through sheer attitude and work rate," Blahnik said. "He can attack and press for 45 minutes straight. His work rate defensively and off of the ball is not as measurable by statistics but invaluable to the success of our team. With continued hard work and commitment he has a very bright future here at Hope."

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