WINONA, Minn. — For the third straight year,
Jon Szafranski (Barrington, Ill.) proved to be the backbone of the Saint Mary’s University men’s soccer team, as the senior goalkeeper closed out an illustrious Cardinal career by becoming SMU’s all-time career saves leader.
Thursday afternoon, Szafranski was again honored for his efforts, being named honorable-mention All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for the second year in a row.
Szafranski, who finished the season as the MIAC leader in saves (84) and saves-per-game (8.54), closed out a stellar collegiate career with his best year ever in 2009, compiling a 1.77 goals-against-average and an .804 save percentage. Szafranski, who stopped a school record-tying 152 shots a year ago, finished with 135 saves this season, pushing his school-record career saves total to 442. He stopped 10 or more shots five times this season and, after recording four shutouts in his first three seasons combined, picked up five shutouts this season.
Szafranski also recorded his first collegiate assist in the Cardinals’ 1-0, double-overtime win vs. Saint John’s on Oct. 24.
As part of a conference-wide sportsmanship initiative, the MIAC announced the fourth annual All-MIAC Sportsmanship team for men's soccer, which including SMU senior
Lucas Volini (Hoffman Estates, Ill.). Members of the All-MIAC Sportsmanship team are selected by their coaches and teammates as individuals who demonstrate ideals of positive sportsmanship both on and off the field of competition.