EVANSVILLE — After putting together a historic turnaround in 2016, the University of Evansville men's soccer team saw three players earn regional honors as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America announced its All-West Region squads.

After becoming the first Purple Ace in over a decade to register double-digit goals, Ian McGrath became the first UE player to earn a first team nod since 2013. The New Lenox, Ill., product scored 11 goals for the Aces and chipped in a pair of assists as UE enjoyed the second-largest win improvement in school history, ending with a 10-8-3 overall record.

"I think Ian was arguably one of the best players in our conference this season," UE head coach Marshall Ray said. "This is a deserving honor for him. I know that other coaches in the conference always told me that he was someone they would worry about. He's matured a lot in his time here already, and I'm looking forward to having him back again next season."

Two more players earned a spot on the third team, beginning with Jared Robinson, who capped his UE career in style, recording more goals than in his previous three seasons combined. The Powell, Ohio, native was second on the team with seven scores and four assists. He was joined there by Simon Waever, who was a constant threat out wide for UE. The freshman defender ended the year with a goal and three assists.

"Jared had a great season for us," Ray said. "He was a true center forward, and he scrapped for goals all season. As the year went on, I think our players started to trust him more and more because he was going to help us win games."

"Simon was one of several freshmen that had a huge impact for our program," Ray continued. "His ability to defend in one-on-one situations as well as his pace to get forward allowed him to be a dangerous option in the attacking third. He was a handful for everyone we played, and he has a bright future."

This year marks the first that UE has boasted of three all-region nominees since 2009.

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