Borges, Tomas earn all-region recognition
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Wednesday, November 29, 2023) -- United Soccer Coaches has released its 2023 NCAA Men's Soccer Division III All-Region teams, as announced by the organization on Wednesday. The NEWMAC saw 15 student-athletes land on the Region II teams, which are made up of a first team, second team and third team. Salve Regina University placed two on the teams - senior captain Jordan Borges (Milford, Mass.) and sophomore Ben Tomas (Danbury, Conn.).
"I am very happy to see both Jordan and Ben earn All-Region recognition again this year," said 17th-year Seahawk head coach Craig O'Rourke II. "They were both stalwarts for us in our first eleven and with this award, it's nice to see that the New England college coaching community recognizes their level of talent. They will both be back for us next year and are a part of a core nucleus of talent that we will be working to build around as we prepare for the 2024 season."
Borges adds his second straight all-region selection after moving with the Seahawks from the Commonwealth Coast Conference to the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference.
"The move certainly wasn't without its difficulties," says Borges. "Every game required our best effort because the competition was much more intense, and the pace of every play was quicker. It also took us a little while to adjust to the physicality as refs felt more likely to let a lot of the little things go and let us play. But it's precisely these difficulties that have sped up our development as a group and as individuals."
"We have improved our game and learned to adjust when facing stronger opponents. We've been forced by the situation to improve our teamwork, sharpen our tactics, and develop a more resilient mindset. We kept things close in every game this year and it's now about getting over the line in order to start bringing back more wins to Newport. Whether we win or lose, every game taught us something important and helped us get better and grow as a team."
In 2023, Borges led the Seahawks with six goals and four assists for 16 points. His four helpers matched teammates Daniel Goba and Nathan Costantino for Seahawk high mark. Borges provided the game-winning goal in the second half against Husson on Sept. 17.
Tomas receives identical accolades in back-to-back years. He played and started all 18 games for the Seahawks at midfield, recording his one assist on a game-tying goal by Liam Berlingieri in the second half against Husson on Sept. 17.
Find complete team here - https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-NCAA-D3-Men-All-Region-Teams.pdf