KANSAS CITY, Kan.- The Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer team had three players named to the 2010 National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association (NSCAA) Division II All-Midwest Region Team after their performance on the field this season. Senior goaltender Piotr Kazmierczak (Stargard, Poland) and senior forward Anthony Palazzolo (Warren, Mich./De La Salle HS) were both named to the second team while sophomore defender Zach Myers (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forrest Hills Eastern HS) was named to the third team. This is the first time a Cardinal men's soccer athlete has been named all-region since assistant coach Adrian Thomas in 2003.
Kazmierczak appeared in 17 games, starting 15 of them in goal for the Cardinals. He was named All-GLIAC Second Team after posting 84 saves and a .757 save percentage for Saginaw Valley. Kazmierczak was named captain of the team in the 2010 season for his vocal leadership on the field and his great instincts and reflexes in net. Head coach Cale Wassermann stated, "Piotr is the kind of player that hates getting scored on, even in practice, and that is why he improved so much. He is very vocal and was a leader this year, making a couple of saves that were game changers. A keeper that can save a game for you by making the important saves is priceless. Our keepers worked very hard with our goalkeeper coach, Adrian Thomas on our team mentality to improve defending, and that all had a part in this recognition, and Piotr deserves it".
Palazzolo appeared in 16 games, starting 15 of them for the Cardinals in his senior season while being named All-GLIAC Second Team. He had six goals, one being a game winner, three assists and 15 points on the season for SVSU. Palazzolo was named captain for being a dynamic player for the Cards and excelling at the midfielder position. Wasserman said, "Anthony is not the biggest player but he has a lot of heart. He worked hard all year and was selfless, putting the team first. He became a captain for us by leading the team vocally and stepping up his game in big moments. He was a pleasure to coach".
Myers appeared in and started 17 games for Saginaw Valley in the 2010 season. He was named captain and posted three goals and one assist with seven points as a defender. Myers had two game winning goals, one against Findlay and the other versus Davenport. His third goal was against Indiana Tech in the dying moments of the game, forcing the contest into overtime, where the Cardinals pulled out the win. Wassermann stated, "Zach is a very athletic player who works hard in the classroom and in the off-season. His 'lead by example' attitude was why he was named a captain and I am happy to see he recieved recognition, especially playing as a central defender, which was not his natural position. I hope he continues to work hard, as he has a lot of potential".
Wassermann concluded, "Having three players named to the all-conference team is a testament to the work our team has put in over the last eleven months. We have made a statement and garnered respect in the region. The program is excited about the future and already preparing for next season".