Colton O’Neill and Ryan Liddiard of the University of the Fraser Valley men’s soccer team have been recognized as Canada West all-stars.
O’Neill, a fourth-year right back from Abbotsford, was voted a first team conference all-star, while Liddiard, a fifth-year left back from Kamloops, was a second-teamer.
Colton O’Neill
O’Neill served as the Cascades’ Swiss Army knife this season, as head coach Alan Errington frequently moved him up from his natural spot on the back line to play on the right wing or at midfield. He responded with flying colours, posting a team-high five goals and three assists.
“Colton is a good player at whatever position he plays,” Errington noted. “He could play forward, he could play anywhere. He’s one of the best players in the league.”
Liddiard was a key figure on a UFV defence which surrendered just 12 goals in 12 regular-season games – the third-fewest in Canada West. The veteran also made an offensive contribution, excelling on free kicks and notching two goals and an assist.
Liddiard and O’Neill were among four Cascades who started every game this season.
Ryan Liddiard
“Ryan Liddiard has developed into a very steady fullback,” Errington said. “He’s scored some great goals this year from free kicks. He’s naturally right-footed, but he plays left back, and you’d never know it – his left foot is as good as his right. He’s improved every year.”
O’Neill and Liddiard are the seventh and eighth players in the history of the UFV men’s soccer program to be honoured as all-stars by Canada West. The complete list is as follows:
2007
Mike Riehl – first team halfback
Spencer Schmidt – first team striker
2008
Jordan Langelaar – second team fullback
2009
James Giebelhaus – second team fullback
Robbie Fadden – second team midfielder
2012
Mark Village – second team goalkeeper
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