Concordia’s soccer player Connor Gordon named to All-West Region first team

Concordia University Irvine senior forward Connor Gordon earned first team All-West Region honors after his impressive senior season where he led the entire PacWest conference with 18 goals. (Photo courtesy Troy Makalena)

Concordia University Irvine senior Connor Gordon was named first team All-West Region on Wednesday by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association.

Gordon led both his team and the entire PacWest Conference with 18 goals this season and capped off his Concordia career with two scores in a 4-2 win over Holy Names on Senior Day.  His second goal in his final collegiate match tied him with Jeff Clark for the school record with 50 career goals. He will also leave Concordia fourth in career assists with 21.

A 2018 first team All-PacWest Conference honoree for the second time in his career, Gordon finished second in the PacWest this year in points (42) and points per game (2.33) and added six assists.

“It’s really rewarding to know that all the hard work and tough training sessions have been recognized by both the PacWest and the region,” said Gordon.  “I can’t thank enough all of the people around me for all of the time, effort, and support that they have given me to make awards like this possible.”

“It is great for Connor to be recognized for his performances this year,” said Concordia Coach Chris Gould.  “He is a big reason for our success this year. He and his teammates should be proud of this accomplishment.”

Gordon tallied hat tricks in PacWest wins over Fresno Pacific and Dominican and has contributed three game-winning goals during his senior campaign.  In addition, the Huntington Beach, Calif. native was named PacWest Player of the Week on three different occasions this fall and was the Eagle of the Week in late October.

The Concordia men’s soccer team finished the year 5-1 down the stretch and earned third place in the PacWest conference with a 7-3 league mark.  The Eagles finished 9-9 overall.

“We went through more ups and downs as a team than ever before and it was the way that we kept fighting through every single minute of the season that makes me smile the most,” added Gordon. “I can walk away from this year knowing that I gave it all that I had and that is all I can really hope to do.  This year was a success because of all the relationships that we have built and the mentality that was molded.”

–Story courtesy Ben Rosehart