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10 Soccer Cats Land Recognition from Top Drawer Soccer

By Joe Ginley '12 , 07/22/20, 1:15PM EDT

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The Class of 2020 earned more accolades after an incredible 2019 campaign.

As the Class of 2020 prepares to accept diplomas and head off to college, ten members of the Saint Ignatius soccer program can add a feather to their caps.

Top Drawer Soccer has recognized ten Wildcats to its All-American, All-Region, and All-State teams. 

The depth of the selections reflects an outstanding program led by Head Coach Mike McLaughlin '85. And the future is still bright, and the cupboard far from bare for the 2020 season and beyond.

Kyle Folds and Matthew McLaughlin lead the way for the Wildcat honorees. The two graduating seniors repped Saint Ignatius as Second-Team All-Americans. The two midfielders are headed to Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame, respectively. The two combined for an incredible 28 goals, 20 assists, and 76 points. Simply put, this dynamic duo was unstoppable. Folds also garnered Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year honors, while McLaughlin achieved All-American status via the United Soccer Coaches

Folds and McLaughlin also made the All-Great Lakes squad. The ever-humble Mike McLaughlin '85 acquired another trophy for his growing collection, his 33rd Coach of the Year recognition. This award honors him as the best high school coach in the Great Lakes region, spanning Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

A total of ten Wildcats made the cut for the All-Ohio list. Of course, McLaughlin and Folds both occupied spots on the list. Eight teammates joined them on the Wildcat-laden squad.

Forward Everett Shorey was a well-deserving player to see recognition. Shorey led the squad with 30 goals in a jaw-dropping senior season that concluded with a simply spectacular effort in the state championship. 

Three anchors of the Saint Ignatius midfield have plenty of reasons to be proud, which now includes this accolade – Austin Zeleznik, Ian Sugar, and Luchiano Pechota.

In his senior campaign, Zeleznik played a starring role as a do-it-all player for the Wildcats. Strong on both ends of the field, Zeleznik shined in all aspects. He completed the year with 19 starts, tallying 7 goals and 6 assists for 20 points. With a 3.91 GPA, he's headed to Case Western Reserve University with dreams of being a doctor.

Luckily, Pechota will be back, ready to help pick up the slack after the seniors depart. Pechota tabbed 5 goals and 6 assists for 16 points in his sophomore campaign. He's a smart player with great feet. 

Sugar is headed to Loyola University Maryland following a nice senior year. In 19 games, Sugar tallied 3 assists, but his contributions went far beyond the stat sheet. Always willing and able to do whatever it took to help the team win, Sugar will be a clutch contributor at the next level. 

Three stalwarts of the backline found a place on the list, as well. Danny Kalic, Theo Kudlo, and Ryan Notarianni. All three will play at the next level.

Two-thirds of the tandem will be at John Carroll University in the fall. Kalic and Notarianni will stick with the Blue and Gold after four outstanding years with the Wildcats. It's impossible to overstate how important these two were to the Soccer Cats' success. Opponents simply could not get past them to the net. Kalic and Notarianni have the physicality and foot skills to not only thwart opposing attacks, but to get your counterattacks fired up. The Blue Streaks will love these two. 

Kudlo also played an absolutely essential role on defense. He often defended opponents' best players, locking them down with his quick feet and high soccer IQ. Kudlo is also a glue guy, a smiling do-it-all young man who you just love to have on your team. His chipper attitude and special skills will be missed, but the Master's University will be better for having them on their team. 

The final honoree is the last man standing in net – Peter Van Euwen. On the rare occasion when foes did get past the Wildcats, they had to beat Van Euwen. That's easier said than done. Van Euwen is a special kind of goalkeeper, equally athletic and smart. An effective leader from the netmouth, Van Euwen has the chops to play plenty of great soccer for The Ohio State University. It's safe to say that he's one of the best to occupy the net in the rich history of Saint Ignatius soccer. 

For the full list on Top Drawer Soccer, click here.