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The University of Great Falls Athletic Department is proud to announce that senior Ryan O’Neil was named to the 2011 NAIA Men’s Soccer AllAmerican second team. “For Ryan to receive second team All-American is really a great honor for him and for our program.” Head Coach Paul Zazenski said.

The senior forward from Arima, Trinidad spearheaded the Argonaut offense. Scoring 22 of the Argonauts 54 total goals on the year. Leading the Association of Independent Institutions/Frontier Conference averaging 1.10 goals per game. “Ryan stepped up his level of play from last year’s honorable mention All-American  and proved why he deserved of second team honors.” Zazenski added.

O’Neil also led the conference in shots with a game average of 5.65 for a total of 113 and 45 shots on goal. It was O’Neil’s Back-to-Back goals that gave the Argonauts the lead in the 2011 National Tournament  first round upset of # 11 Concordia, Oregon. “Ryan has been a huge factor in helping our program achieve new heights. From the day he stepped on campus our goal, as a staff, was to push him to be the best player he could be.” Zazenski said.

A true team player, O’Neil said in response to the news he was selected, “I am very excited to be named second team All-American for the 2011 season. I would like to praise my team because without them, my award would not have been possible.  We worked hard all season. I feel we formed a family here at UGF.  A family we are and a family we will stay.”

“We are very proud of the recognition Ryan received.” Athletic Director Gary Ehnes said. “It was my pleasure to not only watch him play but to mature into a leader on and off the field.” Ehnes concluded.

O’Neil departure at graduation will be missed. He will depart earning three AllConference Awards, two Player of the Year Awards, and two consecutive AllAmerican honors. “Ryan has truly made everyday count here at UGF.  He came up with game winning goal after game winning goal and was the true definition of “clutch”. Zazenski added.

In his three-year career at UGF, O’Neil tallied 50 goals and 113 shots on goal. “We  will miss him and wish him the best of luck as he tests his skills at a higher level. We are very proud to call Ryan an Argonaut.” Zazenski concluded.