Flushing, N.Y. (Oct. 31, 2019) - The City University of New York Athletic Conference and University Student Senate announced the 2019 All-Star selections on Thursday, as voted on by the conference coaches.

With two teams each finishing at 6-1 following CUNYAC regular season play, it’s no coincidence that the same two schools walk away with the three major awards. Hunter College senior midfielder Jesus Patino Muniz has been named Player of the Year, while Ebenezer Otoo and Head Coach Toma Gojcevic of Lehman College earned Rookie and Coach of the Year honors.

Player of the Year - Jesus Patino Muniz, Sr, MF, Hunter
“Winning Player of the Year is a great personal accomplishment,” said Muniz. His stellar senior campaign saw him lead the conference in points with 26, scoring 15 goals and dishing out six assists, good for number one in the conference in both categories. 

His best game came in a non-conference match against Sarah Lawernce where Jesus scored one goal and added three helpers. He also showed a tremendous sense of resolve and a will to win leading the conference with four game-winning goals. 

Upon learning of this award Muniz praised his fellow Hawks, “it was a group effort and high level of play showed by my teammates [that] made it possible for me to showcase my talent. The bigger goal which is to win the conference championship still remains,” says Muniz as Hunter finishes the season in second place, earning them a first round bye, “We look to keep the momentum going in order to able to lift the team trophy at the end of the season.”

Rookie of the Year - Ebenezer Otoo, Fr, F, Lehman
Otoo made an immediate splash for the Lehman College Lightning. His seven goals this season was good for second best on his team and eighth best in the conference. The former Player of the Week recipient showed his clutch gene netting a game winning goal on two separate occasions. Otoo’s best game came during a 3-0 victory against York College where he scored two goals.

“Being a freshman it was surprising to earn this, but I’m really happy,” said Otoo. “I would like to thank my teammates and coaches. I hope we can continue the good season we are having [by winning a championship.]”

Coach of the Year - Toma Gojcevic, Lehman
Coach Gojcevic led the Lightning to a 6-1 in conference play and an 11-4 overall season, good for best in the conference. In his sixth year coaching at Lehman, he has turned the tide from last years 6-10-2 record helping to earn a first round bye for this years campaign. He awaits the teams first  playoff match against #5 seed John Jay in the Bronx on Saturday.

“It’s always an honor to be recognized for a job well done,” said Gojcevic. “Our team had a great year and am happy that we are playing well. I am looking forward to playoffs.” 

First Team All-Stars
F - Blaise Enama, Hunter 
F - Mubarak Ouro, Lehman
M - Shaiem Allah Morad, Baruch
M - Alex Sosa, Brooklyn 
M - Phillip Lefkowitz, Staten Island
M - Eduardo Victorio, Lehman
D - Erick Conde, Staten Island
D - Ryan Layman, Staten Island
D - Adewale Adewusi, Lehman
D - Mohammedou Sow, Staten Island
GK - Demiraldo Grunsai, Lehman

Second Team All-Stars
F - Cormac Foley, Baruch
F- Carlos Montesinos, Staten Island
M - Adonis Martinez, Baruch
M - Brian Navarrete, Brooklyn
M - Mikael Young-Malka, Hunter
M - Marvin Mondesir, York
D - Michael Grald, Baruch 
D - Demyan Turiy, Brooklyn
D - Regis Enama, Hunter
D - Michael DeMarco, John Jay
GK - Steven Towler, John Jay

Player of the Year • Jesus Patino Muniz, Sr, MF, Hunter
Rookie of the Year • Ebenezer Otoo, Fr, F, Lehman
Coach of the Year • Toma Gojcevic, Lehman
Sportsmanship Award • Julien Roussel, Jon Jay

Sportsmanship Team: Vadim Sullivan, Baruch, Luis Gomez, Brooklyn, Daniel Angulo, Staten Island, Arman Zamanzadeh, Hunter, Julien Roussel, John Jay, Rushane Nicely, Medgar Evers, Fabrice Pierre-Paul, York