PASADENA — Nathan Gonzalez of the University of La Verne men's soccer team was named to the 2015 First Team All-SCIAC and four additional Leopards landed on the Second Team, as voted by the conference's head coaches.

Gonzalez led the conference in goals (14), attacking points (34), penalty kicks (4-for-4) and game-winning goals (5). Each was a career high for the junior except for game-winners, which tied for his career best. His ability to turn a game on its head with a single moment of brilliance with a goal, a precise pass or a dribble move put La Verne's opponents on their heels all season and kept the Leopards in every single game. Gonzalez scored the game winner in three of the last five regular season games—all La Verne wins—and assisted the winner in another. He notched the winner in the first round of the SCIAC Postseason Tournament against Chapman and got the equalizer against Redlands in the final.

Justin Almandinger, Anton Russell, Saul Uribe and Briley Venti placed on the Second Team.

Almandinger, a junior, came into his own this season as one of La Verne's holding midfielders. His size was big factor in defense in front of the backline and he was a threat with set pieces. He scored two goals, both of which were game winners.

For the second year in a row, Russell was the stabilizing force in La Verne's back line. His positioning, leadership and knack for timely tackles in the box kept the Leopards in every game. He contributed to seven clean sheets and the defense game up less than a goal per game.

Uribe, who has been one of the best attacking players in the SCIAC the past three seasons, was his usual self in 2015. He finished with five goals and five assists and three of his goals were game winners.

Venti, who starred at Pasadena City College before joining La Verne this season, played all 22 games and served as La Verne's engine in the midfield. His work rate, physicality and versatility drove the Leopards all season. He chipped in four goals and one assist.

The Leopards return all five of the 2015 All-SCIAC selections and will make another strong push for a SCIAC championship next season.