Rafael Lara
  • Deciding
  • Class of 2019
  • Houston, TX

Rafael Lara Receives American Southwest Conference Honor

2017 Nov 20

Rafael Lara of Houston, TX received American Southwest Conference men's soccer honors.

McMurry University's men's soccer program - fresh off of its best season since 2004 - had six team members named to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) All-Central Region team, it was announced. Honored were: Jesus Sanchez, Josh Erwin, Rafael Lara, Matt Hernandez, Aaron Webb and Alex Chavez.

The War Hawks finished the 2017 campaign with an 8-6-3 record and its first NCCAA regional appearance since 2012.

Sanchez, a sophomore midfielder, and Erwin, a junior defender, were both named to the first team NCCAA All-Central squad. Sanchez started all 17 matches for head coach Tyler Tarango. Sanchez had one goal and one assist. His goal was the match-winner versus Hendrix College in the season opener.

Erwin was a player on opposing coach's radar screen. Erwin tallied a pair of goals and earned recognition as the defensive MVP at the Hendrix Tournament. He started all 16 matches played this season.

The remaining four War Hawks were all named second team NCCAA All-Central Region.

Lara, a junior forward, was second on the McM team in scoring with 11 points (4 goals and 3 assists). Playing in all 17 matches - with 16 starts - Lara had match-winning goals versus Southwest Adventist and Louisiana College.

Hernandez, a senior defender, has been a stalwart in McM's defensive half for four seasons. Hernandez played in all 17 games, starting 16. He had three assists, tied for the team lead in that category.

Webb, a junior transfer and a defender, made an immediate mark in 2017. Webb also had three assists and started all 17 matches his first season in the Maroon and White.

Chavez, a senior goalkeeper, set school season records for shutouts (8), goals against average (0.57) and saves percentage (.885). In his 16 matches started in the nets, Chavez permitted opponents just nine goals during the year.