EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville freshman Andres Escudero (San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain/IES Joan Miro) added another award to his ledger on Friday morning, being named to the TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Best XI First Team. Escudero is the first Ace in program history to be named to to TopDrawerSoccer's Freshman Best XI, which began in 2015.

Escudero continued Evansville's legacy of standout freshman this season, scoring a team-leading 11 goals, the most by a Purple Ace since 2017. He became the fourth Ace to be named MVC Freshman of the Year since 2020 and the fifth in the last eight seasons, in addition to receiving First Team All-MVC and All-Freshman Team accolades. Escudero also earned MVC All-Tournament Team laurels after notching a brace in a 4-1 semifinal win over UIC. On December 9, Escudero was selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team.

Escudero's goal total of 11 was good for second among all freshmen in the country, while he was one of two freshmen in the country with four braces this season. Escudero finished the season second in the MVC and 19^th in the country in goals.