Wilmington, NC - Cape Fear Men's Soccer compiled an overall record of 9-7-1 and 7-6-1 in conference play. While their success is largely thanks to the efforts of the entire team, a few players were honored by the NJCAA. Goalkeeper Lucas Gusmao, Midfielder Franco Fernandez, and Forward DaShaun Brown all received second team all region honors.
Lucas Gusmao, a sophomore out of Charlotte, NC and transfer from UNC Pembroke stood firm in the goal for the Sea Devils starting in all 14 games he played in this season, missing three games due to injury. Gusmao tallied a staggering .762 save percentage which was second within Region 10. That was a major improvement from his .627 in his time at UNC Pembroke. When asked about Gusmao, Coach Ponton said "He was a pivotal part of our improvement this season. He's an all-around solid goalkeeper who has gained interest from all levels of colleges to semi pro level clubs. I know he'll do well wherever he plays after his time at Cape Fear."
Franco Fernandez, a sophomore from Wilmington, NC lit the league a flame this past fall. As opposed to his 2 goals, and three assists his freshman year Fernandez scored 16 goals, and 13 assists his sophomore year. Most notably Franco scored a hat trick against Region 10 and Southeast District Champion Louisburg College at Louisburg on October 12th, 2017. When asked about Franco Fernandez, Coach Ponton said "Franco has that 'it' factor on the field. He carries himself very quietly off the field, but has a killer instinct on the offensive end of the field and improved heavily on the defensive end of the ball as well. It will be interesting to see what he does with his future after Cape Fear as he has gained a lot of interest from local schools."
DaShaun Brown, a freshman from Jacksonville, NC took the league on full speed his first season. Brown scored five goals in his first six games on the season and completed the season with 7 goals and five assists. He also played two games in goal when called upon by Coach Ponton when the injury to starting keeper Lucas Gusmao hit. Brown's most noticeable performances could be his first collegiate game as he netted two goals away at USC Lancaster or his two goal game at USC Salkehatchie later in the season. When we asked Coach Ponton about DaShaun Brown he said "DaShaun is an impact player. He plays physical and isn't willing to let anyone beat him. He's gained a lot of interest from four year schools and deservingly so. That being said he is still a freshman and I expect even more from him come his sophomore year."
The Sea Devils also had two players make the honorable mention list and it's no surprise that it was the twin towers that held down the center of the defense in Eion Dockery and Logan Edwards.
Eion Dockery, a freshman from Asheville, NC started all 17 games for the Sea Devils, playing roughly all but ten minutes this past season. While Dockery didn't score a goal this past season, he had multiple opportunities. Dockery did however tally an assist at home against USC Sumter. When asked about Eion Dockery, Coach Ponton said "He may be quiet off the field, but he takes leadership on the field. His 6'3 stature makes him difficult to beat in the air. His hard work and leadership on and off the field doesn't go unnoticed by the coaching staff or his teammates. While he's already gained attention from schools all over I know this list will only grow."
Logan Edwards, a freshman from Moorehead City, NC played every minute of every game this past season for the Sea Devils. Logan scored two goals on set pieces though he spent more than half the season sitting back on set pieces to lock down any counter attacks created by the opponents. When we asked Coach Ponton about Logan Edwards he said "It amazes me that Logan wasn't highly recruited prior to Cape Fear. I can't recall once seeing Logan get beat by an opponent, not once. That takes a tremendous amount of focus and discipline. A natural leader who I expect to lead this team into the 2018 season will do nothing but continue to improve."
When we asked Coach Ponton about his freshman that received honors he seemed more than pleased with their production. "DaShaun, Eion, and Logan have all done very well for the program. It wouldn't have surprised me if any of them received first team honors for this past fall and I expect that they will next season."
