Oxy's Sakamoto named NSCAA All-West Region
LOS ANGELES — Reid Sakamoto (Honolulu) of the Occidental College men's soccer team was named Second Team All-West Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America after leading the team to its first winning season in recent memory.
Sakamoto, who also earned the Brine Award of Distinction and First Team All-SCIAC honors this season, guided the Tigers to a 9-8 overall record and 8-8 in SCIAC play. The Brine Award takes into account sportsmanship, community service and academic success as well as performance on the soccer field.
He was named Second Team All-SCIAC in each of his first three seasons and earned an All-Region honor in 2009 as well.
"It's a fitting conclusion to his career to be honored on the All-Region team and I would imagine that if our games had more national exposure he would be a lock for an All-American team as well," said Occidental head coach Rod Lafaurie. "His influence on our team was monumental this year and for his entire four-year journey."
The senior defender finished the season tied with Ben Murray (Sandpoint, Idaho) and Daniel Watson (San Francisco) for the team lead with four goals and dished out two assists, compiling 10 points.
"He will certainly go down on the Mount Rushmore of men's soccer players and be remembered for his two All-Region selections," added Lafaurie.
