Adriel Garcia Honored with Soccer MVP Award

Washington, DC: April 10, 2011—Sophomore soccer forward Adriel Garcia (Physical Education- Centro Indaiatuba SP, Brazil) was named the Most Valuable Player for the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Men's Soccer Team at the Annual Athletic Awards Banquet held at Maggiano's this past Sunday.

Garcia was unanimously voted the Most Valuable Player by his teammates and introduced by Assistant Men's Soccer Coach Michael Saunders. In describing his impact upon the soccer program, Coach Saunders said,   "He was one of the most skillful players on the team, giving them a unique dimension when facing opponents."

Garcia finished the 2010 season with 5 goals, 6 assists, 49 shots, and 18 shots on goal. More important than his performance on the field was his performance in the classroom.  He was recently recognized for achieving a 4.0 grade point average during the fall semester, which earned him a position on the Dean's List.

Also receiving special recognition at the Banquet was junior mid-fielder Tansu Korkmaz (Business- Istanbul, Turkey), who received the Coaches' Award. In introducing Tansu, Coach Saunders said, "Over the duration of the season, Tansu gradually improved as a player and by doing so, gave his team more opportunities to score goals. He was an integral part of the team, with his improvement overall."

 Korkmaz finished the season with 3 goals, 3 assists, 19 shots and 13 shots on goal.