BY JONNY WALKER, STAFF WRITER
The Atlantic 10 Conference released its 2021 Men’s Soccer End of Year Awards Thursday, recognizing two St. Bonaventure University players.
The major awards, All-Conference teams and the All-Rookie Team, were voted on by the A-10 men’s soccer coaches while the All-Academic Team was selected by the men’s soccer communications directors, according to the conference’s official website.
Freshman forward Matthew Wrobel earned an All-Rookie Team selection.
“I’m happy that my individual success was recognized,” said Wrobel. “It definitely shows me that all the hard work before coming here and the grinding in preseason to overcome many bumps was worth it and paid off”
Wrobel, a one-time A-10 Rookie of the Week, recorded four goals on the season, second on the team only to Joshua Pulla’s seven. The Mississauga, Ontario native also tallied two assists for a total of 12 points on the season, starting in 13 of 15 possible games.
“Coming into the year, I was confident in my ability to play at this level since I’ve been playing at a high level all my soccer career coming from Toronto FC Academy and other prestigious clubs,” said Wrobel. “I have been putting in work throughout the whole year and am grateful that coach Kwame gave me the opportunity to play and show my skills.”
Graduate midfielder Francesco Caorsi earned an All-Academic Team selection.
“Being named A-10 All-Academic Team meant a lot for me; it’s always a nice feeling when your efforts and commitment are recognized,” said Caorsi. “When I first came to the USA three years ago, my English was terrible and now getting an award where you are evaluated from both sides, academics and athletics, is a sort of milestone I didn’t really believe I would have achieved.”
Caorsi has earned a 3.85 GPA while pursuing an MBA in general business. The Genova, Italy native topped off his collegiate career with a team-leading six assists while starting in all 15 games for the Bonnies. Caorsi spent one season at the University of Central Arkansas before playing in 37 games for the Bonnies over the next three seasons.
“Going forward, I really hope I’ll have a chance to continue playing soccer here in the US,” said Caorsi. “If it doesn’t work out I already have a plan B, which is starting a coaching career, hopefully in college.”
Despite their two standouts, the Bonnies (4-10-1, 3-5) finished 11th in the A-10, failing to clinch a tournament berth. Bonaventure remained in playoff contention until the final game of the season before falling to George Washington, 4-3, in overtime. That letdown, however, has not deterred Wrobel.
“Everyone on the team knows how close we were to making the A-10 playoffs last season, said Wrobel. “So, it’s making us hungrier for the next season, and we’re all ready to accomplish this.”
That optimism left an impression on Wrobel’s more senior teammates.
“Wrobel was a great addition to the team, coming in as a freshman and having such an impact is amazing,” said Caorsi. “He has a bright future ahead, and I am sure we will hear about him in bigger stages.”
walkerjc20@bonaventure.edu
