GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Three players from the University of Providence men's soccer team were recognized by the Cascade Collegiate Conference on Tuesday. George Almeida and Manu Garcia were both named 1^st Team All-Conference while Will Velasquez was named Honorable Mention All-Conference.

"We're very pleased that some of the key players for us this year were able to get recognized from a conference perspective," interim head coach Danny Burstein said.

14 players were named to each the 1^st Team, 2^nd Team and Honorable Mention Team. The players were voted on by the coaches of the conference.

Garcia, the captain of the Argo team, was named 1^st Team All-Conference and was a critical component of the Argo's success this year. This is the second straight year he's been recognized by the conference; last season he was named to the 2^nd Team.

The senior midfielder from Cangas de Morrazo, Spain started all eight games for the team this year. He scored three goals and one assist on the season and took a total of 18 shots, ten of which were on target. Even more important, according to Burstein, was how he directed the team during an unusual season.

"He is a natural leader," Burstein said. "His presence on the field helps us dictate play. He helps everybody with what they're doing. He's involved in all aspects in how we play our game. I'm proud of him and the leadership he showed this season."

Almeida was also named 1^st Team All-Conference for the Argos. He was a dynamic scorer for the Argos this season, leading the team in both goals (five) and assists (two), resulting in a team-high 12 points. The senior from Salvador, Brazil played in all eight games this season and took a total of 26 shots on the season, 13 of which were on goal.

"George is truly a magnificent player," Burstein said. "He's truly special when it comes to his abilities. If you've seen his goals he's had some fantastic shots from distance, but then he's also had some individual 1 v. 1 efforts. He can score with his foot he can score with his head. He was the biggest offensive threat that we had this year."

Velasquez was named Honorable Mention All-Conference. The senior from Greeley, Colo. started all eight games and took a total of four shots, two of which were on target. The midfielder was seemingly everywhere on the field, and no one on the team worked harder according to the coaching staff.

"I'm very excited that Will got recognized," Burstein said. "He doesn't have the stats that other guys do, but there isn't anybody on our team that works harder, plays more minutes and puts his body on the line for his teammates more. It's cool that other coaches recognize that and see the value he brings to our team."