KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The United Soccer Coaches recently announced the association’s NCAA Division III Men’s All-Region Teams, with Matt Murakami (Sr., Eden Prairie, Minn.) and Arthur Parens (Jr., Wayzata, Minn.) earning All-North Region Second Team honors.
Murakami appeared in all but one game for the Gusties, starting in each game played while guiding the midfield. Murakami scored four goals and three assists for 11 points on the season, finishing as the third-leading scorer on the team. On Oct. 2, Murakami earned MIAC Player of the Week honors after tallying three goals in two games in road victories at St. Olaf and Augsburg. The Gustie co-captain also tallied 27 shots (17 shots on goal), and one game-winner.
Parens was the constant offensive threat for the Black and Gold all year, despite missing the final two games after suffering an unfortunate season-ending injury. Parens started in 17 games, leading the team and finishing tied for second in scoring in the MIAC with 12 goals and three assists for 27 points. On Oct. 3 at Presentation College, Parens notched his first career hat-trick performance, the first Gustie to do so since 2011. In the month of October, he recorded six goals and one assist for a total of 13 points to go along with 26 shots (15 on goal), and two game-winners en route to receiving Gustavus October Male Student-Athlete of the Month. His 27 points is most by a Gustie since All-American Zach Brown compiled 29 in 2014.