The USCAA announced its Division II men's soccer All-Americans on Thursday evening at the 2022 USCAA Soccer National Tournament Banquet at Dave & Busters in Virginia Beach, VA. Berkeley College's New Jersey men's soccer team was well represented. Erson Gerbeshi, Alex Davidson, and Dawid Mroz were tabbed as First Team All-Americans. Michael Mogollon was named a Second Team All-American, and Mroz, Kenneth Rubio-Tovar, Eddie Becirovic, and Suad Lukovic were honored as part of the National All-Academic Team. Finally, it was Mroz earning the prestige of being named the Student Athlete of the Year. 

 

"It was a terrific evening for our program, as seven of our student-athletes were recognized by the USCAA," Head Coach Bruno Ferreira said. "Countless hours have been put in by these student-athletes, as they continue to mature into fine young men, both on the field and academically. I'm very prideful when I reflect back on the season that they've put together so far, and we're locked in on playing our best over what we hope is a championship season. We're all excited."

 

Mroz has been absolutely phenomenal for the Knights during this 2022 campaign. In 16 matches between the pipes (15 starts), the Old Bridge High School product boasts a G.A.A. of 0.44, allowing just six goals while stopping 48 shots. Coach Ferreira spoke glowingly about his star goalkeeper.

"Dawid is a student-athlete who carries himself like a professional, always," he said. "He trains extremely hard and is very much a perfectionist. He possesses excellent self-discipline, and he is a shining star both on the pitch and in the classroom. He deserved all of the accolades that were bestowed upon him this evening."

 

Gerbeshi has played and started in 17 games this season for the Knights, and has established himself as an absolute star, registering 15 goals and eight assists. His 38 total points led the team, and were 18 points more than the second-highest point accumulator. He also notched four game-winning goals, as well.

 

"Erson is one of the most talented players to ever pass through the Berkeley College New Jersey Men's Soccer program," Ferreira said. He possesses the mind and skill of a player who is ready to advance to the next level. He carries himself like a true gentleman, always respectful and thankful. His influence on our 2022 campaign has been obvious, and I'm very proud of him."

 

Davidson, a standout freshman defender, has brought multiple attributes to Berkeley College's defensive scheme, and in just one season, he has solidified himself as one of the top defenders in the USCAA. In addition to being a shutdown defender, he also chipped in with five goals on the offensive side.

 

"Alex is a player that showed up with raw skill, and he quickly developed into the player that we envisioned he could become," said Ferreira. "He has been the missing piece for some time, possessing a rare speed and strength combination. He is a quality human being that shows nothing but respect."

 

Mogollon played in 17 games for the Knights, starting 16 of them, piling 16 points (five goals, six assists) along the way. He brings uncanny versatility with him to the team, and the youngster has been a big reason for Berkeley's success in 2022.

 

"Michael is a top student-athlete that sacrifices a ton of himself and his teammates," Ferreira said. "He grinds and works and has established himself as the motor of the team. From working long hours, to finding time to train, to maintaining a quality GPA, his commitment has been special. I always have confidence in Michael to find his way, because he is that type of student-athlete."

 

As for Kenneth Rubio-Tovar, Eddie Becirovic, and Suad Lukovic, Ferreira saluted their commitment to their studies.

 

"Kenneth, Eddie, and Suad are not only huge pieces to our 2022 puzzle on the field, but they've also starred in the classroom, and I'm very proud of their well-rounded establishment. They all work diligently to have that healthy balance, and they've done in it gracefully and impressively. I'm happy for them."

 

The USCAA Division II Men's Soccer Tournament begins on Friday, November 11. Berkeley College New Jersey will be in the "B" pool, taking on Cincinnati-Clermont on Saturday, November 12, at 4:45pm, before facing Central Maine Community College on Sunday, November 13, at 2:15pm. If the Knights are able to advance from the B pool, they will head to the title game on Monday afternoon, November 14 (4:30pm), where they will take on the winner of the "A" pool – either Penn State Brandywine, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte, and Five Towns College.