Men’s Soccer: Three ‘Eaters lauded

Junior midfielder Lalo Calzada and sophomore defender Michael Sperber have been named first-team All-Big West Conference in men’s soccer to highlight three Anteaters recognized by coaches.

Calzada, a transfer from Cal State Bakersfield, has seven goals and four assists. His three game-winning goals were tops on the team.

Sperber, an imposing physical presence for a team that has eight shutouts, has one assist.

Senior forward Cameron Iwasa, who has four goals and five assists, is a second-team honoree. He received honorable mention in 2013.

The trio helped UCI finish second in the South Division, then advance to the Big West Tournament final in which it was edged by Cal State Fullerton in penalty kicks, after a 0-0 tie.

Six UCI players received honorable mention, including seniors Gor Kirakosyan, Bryan Breslin and Dennis Martinez, juniors Michael Breslin and Mats Bjurman, and sophomore Mario Ortiz.

UC Davis senior defender Brian Ford, a former standout at Corona del Mar High, earned second-team recognition.

— From staff reports