Bandy, Cruz Sweep Men’s Soccer MCC Awards

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–Victor Cruz (Jr., Elsa, Texas, Business Management) and Mason Bandy (So., Calgary, Alberta, Biology) led the Statesmen soccer team’s charge into the league tourney semifinals, and for their efforts they earned Midwest Collegiate Conference weekly honors.

Cruz was named MCC Offensive Player of the Week, while Bandy recorded his third career Defensive POW honor (all in 2012). The duo helped William Penn (8-10-1) to a 1-0 victory over Culver-Stockton (Mo.) last Tuesday and then led the program to a shootout win over #3 seed St. Ambrose Sunday. The win advances the navy and gold to their first semifinal matchup since 2006.

Cruz opened his week by scoring the game-winner against Culver-Stockton. He then recorded the lone goal against St. Ambrose and also slipped an attempt past the keeper in the shootout.

For the year, Cruz tops William Penn with eight goals.

Bandy made two saves against the Wildcats for his fourth shutout of the campaign. He finished his week with a nine-save performance against the Fighting Bees. The sophomore added a shootout stop to keep his team alive in the later rounds of the shootout.

For the year, Bandy is 8-10-1 with a 1.73 Goals Against Average. He has saved 93 opponent shots for a .738 save percentage.

The awards are the fourth and fifth for the Statesmen.