WAC Post-Season Awards for Men's Soccer

Seattle University men’s soccer won three major awards at Tuesday’s Western Athletic Conference (WAC) postseason awards banquet. Nkosi Burgess was named Defensive Player of the Year, James Morris earned Freshman of the Year, and Pete Fewing claimed Coach of the Year honors.

Burgess was joined by Julian Avila-Good and Declan McGlynn on the All-WAC First Team. Alex Acton-Petronotis and Noe Meza were picked All-WAC Second Team. Morris and Jesse Ortiz were WAC All-Freshman Team selections. Akili Kasim, Thomas Mickoski, Hal Uderitz, and Kees Westra garnered Honorable Mention All-WAC accolades.

Burgess, a graduate student from Manhattan, appeared in 17 games, making 15 starts. The center back anchored the SU defense, as the Redhawks conceded just eight goals in WAC action, tied for fewest in the league, and tallied five shutouts. Burgess added a goal and an assist to contribute offensively. Burgess becomes the fourth Redhawk to win WAC Defensive Player of the Year in the last five years, joining Nathan Aune (2017) and Kyle Bjornethun (2015, 2016).

“He brought a composure, leadership, skill, and fun to our program this year,” said Fewing. “He’s been a really solid center back and we’ve been really successful with him back there. I’m glad to see him recognized.”

Morris made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign at Seattle U. The native of Doncaster, England, put up eight goals and two assists in just 10 matches. The forward had five multi-point outings in WAC play, including a hat trick at CSU Bakersfield on Oct. 19. He tied for second in the conference with eight goals in WAC action. Morris is the fourth Redhawk to be named WAC Freshman of the Year since 2013, as Declan McGlynn (2018), Sergio Rivas (2015), and Kyle Bjornethun (2013) have previously won the award. His eight goals are the most by a WAC freshman since 2014.

“He’s been fantastic since returning for his injury,” said Fewing. “A true striker for us. He’s humble and we think he’s going to score a lot of goals for Seattle University.”

Fewing led SU to its third WAC regular-season title since 2013. The Redhawks’ boss has also been WAC Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015. In 2019, Seattle U’s 31 points in WAC play marked the most since the league reformed in 2012. SU also has the third-longest active unbeaten streak in the nation (12 games).

Avila-Good held down the middle of the field in his senior season. The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native started all 19 games, sharing time between midfield and defense. The team captain was vital in connecting SU’s stellar defense to its dangerous attack. He also dished out a pair of assists on the year. In 2018, Avila-Good was an All-WAC Second Team choice.

“Julian is a terrific leader,” said Fewing. “We’re going to miss him a lot next year.”

McGlynn paced Seattle U with 10 goals and seven assists in a terrific sophomore season. The native of Kirkland, Wash., started all 19 games at forward. McGlynn scored eight goals in conference play, tied for second-most in the WAC. He tallied a hat trick against Kansas City on Oct. 6. McGlynn scored in overtime to lift SU to a 2-1 win over Utah Valley on Oct. 27, all but clinching the WAC regular-season title for his side. Last season, he earned All-WAC Second Team and WAC Freshman of the Year.

“Declan was WAC Freshman of the Year last season and backed it up with a really strong year,” said Fewing.

Acton-Petronotis stepped in to a full-time starting role at center back in 2019, serving as a key cog in SU’s nine shutouts. The sophomore from Houston, Texas, started 18 matches and notched an assist. He and Burgess formed a dynamic duo defensively, snuffing out many opposing chances before they became threats.

"Alex may have been our most improved player this year," said Fewing. "He's very clean and really good on the ball. He's battled through injuries and we're really proud of him."

Meza scored eight goals in his redshirt junior season. In 16 starts, the native of Sunnyside, Wash., scored four game-winning goals. He converted a late penalty kick to force overtime against Utah Valley on Oct. 27 and then set up McGlynn’s golden goal in extra time.

“He continues to score goals for us,” said Fewing. “He battled some injuries and has worked hard to be on the field for us this year.”

Ortiz played in 16 contests, including eight starts in the midfield. The freshman from Houston, Texas, played a key role as a playmaker for SU, using his speed and foot skills to create opportunities for the Redhawks.

“On the ball, I think he’s as good as anyone in the league," said Fewing. "He’s got a bright future ahead of him and the team loves him."