The Valparaiso University men’s soccer program has announced its annual postseason awards.

In addition to the previously announced Supporters’ Award bestowed upon Rin and John Seibert, head coach Mike Avery unveiled four postseason awards on Wednesday. 

2018-19 Alumni Award – Kyle Zobeck ’12
A Valpo standout from 2008-2012, Zobeck was drafted 26^th overall in the 2013 Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft by FC Dallas. His 2011 goals against average of 0.66 remains the Valpo single-season record, while he racked up a program-record 11 shutouts that season. His career GAA of 0.92 ranks second in program history, while he holds the program’s career record for shutouts with 23.

“Kyle was one of the best players we have ever had here at Valparaiso, a two-time conference Goalkeeper of the Year in the Horizon League and the program’s second ever MLS draft pick,” Avery said. “Kyle has had a long career in professional soccer, but this award is not just another accolade for a good player. We are honoring Kyle because of his continued support of Valparaiso University, the athletic department and the soccer team. Kyle is a proud alum that intentionally stays connected to the soccer program, and he offers his help to our team in any way that he can. We tell every recruit that we want them to be happy they chose Valpo for the rest of their lives, and Kyle exemplifies that connection to his University that we hope everyone finds. We hope that Kyle stays in the MLS and with FC Dallas for many years to come, but when that time comes and he hangs up his cleats, Kyle will put that incredible engineering degree to good use and continue to represent Valparaiso with the same class that he has done as a player.” 

2018-19 Offensive MVP – Rafael Mentzingen
Now a member of the USL’s Lansing Ignite and a 2019 Major League Soccer SuperDraft selection by the Columbus Crew, Rafael Mentzingen was named the team’s offensive MVP this season. He garnered All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team honors in each of his two seasons on campus and scored 11 goals while accumulating 25 points in his two-year Valpo career. He was also named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team this season for his excellence both on the field and in the classroom. 

2018-19 Defensive MVP – Nacho Miras
After finishing the season with a 1.13 GAA that ranks tied for seventh in program history, Nacho Miras earned the team’s Defensive MVP award. He also cracked the single-season Top 10 in shutouts with four while finishing his career third in program history in career GAA (1.36) and seventh in career shutouts (six). He was recognized as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament Team for his eight-save effort in an opening round game against Drake. Miras led the way for a Valpo defense that allowed just 21 goals all season, a mark that ranks tied for eighth in program history for fewest goals allowed in a single season.  

TS11 Award – Demar Rose
Perhaps the most prestigious award given annually by the Valpo men’s soccer program is the TS11 Award. The TS11 Award honors the player who best represents the core values of the program, and who is the embodiment of the ideal teammate. This year’s award was given to Demar Rose. After battling back from an injury that cost him the 2017 season, Rose was a key cog in the Valpo midfield in 2018. He received All-MVC First Team Recognition.