The 2016/2017 All-GCPL team comprises of players who performed at a high level, along with showing great sportsmanship on and off the field. A selection that wasn’t easy for our committee to decide, but they were able to come out with 18 players who they felt deserved the recognition.
Forwards
Reece Wilson (Motagua New Orleans) – The front man for the Blue Eagles proved himself too much for opposing defenses averaging 2 goals and .9 assists per game. The UK native sits comfortably on top as the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Carson Gorecki (Louisiana Fire) – The 30 year old Minnesota born striker gave the Fire some much needed help this season as they struggled in the defensive department all year. Averaging .9 goals and .7 assists per game, Gorecki helped lead the Fire to scoring the second most goals in the league.
Daniel Eyo (Louisiana Fire) – At 17 years old, the Nigerian born attacker has given opposing defenses trouble all year with his pace and craftiness. One of the leagues top potential, Eyo assisted his partner in crime, Gorecki, with keeping the Fire in games with 11 goals scored.
Olaide Yusuf (Biloxi City FC) – The big man of Biloxi, Yusuf bagged 5 goals and 2 assists for the Blackjacks. Helping lead them to a top 3 finish in their inaugural season.
Nick Hammond (Rafters FC) – The Shreveport native offered a boost to the Rafters attack leading the team with 5 goals. The 19 year old’s performance has lead to his inclusion to the Rafter’s NPSL roster for the summer of 2017.
MIDFIELDERS
Patrick Harrison (Biloxi City FC) – Harrison’s 2nd half performance of the season certainly attributed to the Blackjack’s ability to stay in contention for finishing in the top 2. His efforts earned him February’s Select Sport player of the month award while he finished the season with 2 goals and 5 assists.
Caio Cruz (Motagua New Orleans) – Averaging a goal per game, the Brazilian born midfielder stepped up big time this season for the New Orleans outfit, providing a great attacking presence from the midfield. Cruz was involved in 13 goals scored by the Blue Eagles.
Sergio Perez (BOCA FC) – Leading the Knights on the attacking front, Perez was involved in half the teams scoring for the year. However the Mexican native patrolled the midfield in various roles for the Shreveport club which led to his attacking prowess to be tamed for majority of the season.
Juno Mboungou (Pool Boys FC) – The former Louisiana high school All-State player provided some stability and consistency at times while the Pool Boys struggled to find their footing for the first half of the season. He lead the Alec Town outfit with 4 goals and 2 assists.
Fernando Vargas (Motagua New Orleans) – The Honduran native continues to shine for the Blue Eagles, providing the high level energy that keeps Motagua going. A player who’s numbers will never be off the charts, but his ability to keep the machine running in top gear at all times never goes unnoticed.
DEFENDERS
Harrison Houle (Pool Boys FC) – Harrison’s transition from forward in the first half of the season to anchoring the back line in the 2nd proved to be the right move for the Pool Boys. Since his switch to defense the Alexandria club earned 9 points in six games. His performance in January earned him the Select Sport player of the month award.
Scott Burris (Motagua New Orleans) – One of the old guard for the Blue Eagles, the 35 year old proved age is only a number while leading the New Orleans club to their third league title.
Che Walcott (Rafters FC) – The speedy halfback did his fair share to help the Shreveport outfit to finish second in the league. His ability to get up and down the field proved to be a great asset for the Rafters.
Saul Romero (BOCA FC) – BOCA finished second overall in goals allowed with 15 (not including the 3 goals for forfeiting their final game). Saul’s performance anchoring the back line played a big role in keeping the knights in games while their struggle to finish was evident.
Samuel Mang Lal (Biloxi City FC) – During a year of many injuries and line up changes for the Blackjack’s back line, the Burma national stepped up and added much needed stability. Even after his own injury scare that sidelined him for 3 games he came back and finished strong for the Biloxi outfit.
Aaron Boudreaux (Cajun SC) – The Lafayette native may have been one of the few bright spots for the Cajuns. An off year for the Acadiana giants, Boudreaux provided some much needed top level performances to keep the boys in blue in the game.
KEEPERS
Lance Quini (Rafters FC) – Although only playing in 7 of their games, Quini leads the league in clean sheets along with goals scored against per game. His presence between the sticks for the Rafters was a big reason for their success over the season.
Kevin Elston (Cajun SC) – The captain had his hands, literally, in a lot of close games for the Cajuns this season. Featuring in 11 games for the Lafayette outfit, Elston has proven to be one of the leaders for the boys in blue.
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