Men’s Soccer Earns Three All-Conference Honorees

Sophomore defender Rene Coello and freshman forwards Nick Asam and Jorge Garcia Cruz have earned 2023 All-Orange Empire Conference (OEC) accolades. Coello was named to the first team list, while Asam and Garcia Cruz earned second team recognition. 

Coello, a two-year member of the Hawks and a captain, manned the backline for the Hawks this season. He started in all 20 games he played and led his team to a trio of victories. His presence on the pitch was leaned on heavily as he was the main defender while taking multiple free kicks. He lead a unit that held Santa Ana scoreless in the team's conference opener that resulted in a scoreless draw.

Asam was the main weapon for the Hawks on the offensive end leading to a team-high eight goals. He recorded one assist leading to 17 total points. In 17 games played, the freshman phenom bagged two multi-goal games highlighted by a three-goal effort in a 4-2 win over San Diego Mesa in early September. He followed with a two-score game in a 5-3 win over Southwestern just three games later. Furthermore, he led the team in shots with 46 which was 11 attempts more than the second highest mark.

Cruz Garcia had an impressive inaugural campaign as he started in all 20 games in the front line. He netted five goals which was third on the team and tied with Asam for the highest points total at 17. He fired off 35 shots while also recording a team-high seven assists. He recorded two multi-assist games in a win over San Diego Mesa and a heartbreaking loss against Irvine Valley in the ladder half of play.

Santiago Canyon finished the season with an overall record of 3-14-3 and a last place showing in conference.