Valparaiso men’s soccer player Omar Lawrence (Kingston, Jamaica/Excelsior) was named to the NSCAA/Continental Tires All-Great Lakes Region Third Team on Wednesday.

The sophomore defender was a vital piece in the Crusaders lock-down backline, anchoring a unit that allowed only 17 goals – the fourth-fewest in program history – and finished 31st in the nation with a .81 goals against average.

“All of our guys recognize that every individual award is, in reality, a team award, and I am happy for all the players that they are gaining that type of recognition as they have worked very hard and are certainly deserving,” Crusader head coach Mike Avery said. “Omar is a tremendous player for us, a tough and tenacious defender, and a leader both on the field and in the locker room. Omar is a great representative to stand up for the team.”

Lawrence didn’t shoot often, but when he did it counted. His lone goal came in the 57^th minute against #7 Michigan State as the Crusaders upset the Spartans, 1-0, on their home turf for the second time in two years.

He is the fifth Crusader to be named to the team and the first since 2011, when Stefan Antonijevic was named to the First Team and Wei Ming Wong and Kyle Zobeck were named to the Third Team. He was one of five Horizon League student-athletes to be named to the three teams.

Lawrence adds another trophy to his collection as he was named Second-Team All-Horizon League this year and was on the All-Freshman Team a year ago. He was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week following his performance against Michigan State as well.