HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College men's soccer players Aladdin Elfares and Alvaro Urena were named to the 2016 All-SAC team, the conference office announced today. Elfares was named to the All-SAC second team at the forward position, while Urena earned All-SAC honorable mention honors at the midfield. Additionally, the Cobras earned the South Atlantic Conference men's soccer Fair Play Award.
Elfares, a Hallsberg, Sweden native, finished his 2016 campaign with a team-high nine goals. The sophomore's goal total left him in a tie for fourth in the South Atlantic Conference, while his 19 points were good enough for a tie for eighth. His best performance of the season came in a 3-2 road win over Barton, where he scored one goal and dished out one assist. His season was highlighted by game-winners against Chowan and Queens and a scoring streak of six goals in seven matches during the month of September.
Elfares is the son of Mona Awdi and Mohammed Elfares and is a physical education major.
Urena, a junior, finished his 2016 season with seven goals and 14 points. His goal tally left him in a tie for sixth in the SAC, while his 14 points were good enough for a tie for 15th in the SAC. His best performance of the season came against Barton, where he netted two goals in Coker's 3-2 win over the Bulldogs. In total, the San Jose, Coasta Rica native finished the season with three game-winners and was tied atop the SAC with three made penalty kicks.
Urena is the son of Lilliana Balestero Corrales and Alvaro Urena. He is a business major with a concentration in sports management and an English minor.
"I am very proud of both Aladdin and Alvaro, as both guys deserve the recognition for their efforts on the field this year," said head men's soccer coach Chris Williams. It is by no means a coincidence that they received the accolades of an all-conference selection, both student-athletes demonstrate a work ethic that is unmatched. They arrive early and stay late in order to be the best they can be and I am delighted for both of them. They also know that the achievements would not be possible if it wasn't for there teammates. Not only is this a victory for them as individuals, but also win for the program and the Coker athletic department as well. Truly could not be happier for both Aladdin and Alvaro, much deserved"
As a unit, the Cobras earned the South Atlantic Conference Fair Play Award. They Navy and Gold were tagged with 19 yellow cards during the season, which were the fewest in the SAC.