2011-12 NEWS RELEASES

UOIT Athletics Media Release
Monday, October 31, 2011
 

Aldo Maiorano becomes UOIT’s first OUA Men’s Soccer all-star

HAMILTON, Ont. – UOIT men’s soccer defender Aldo Maiorano became the first ever Ridgeback to earn all-star recognition as Ontario University Athletics (OUA) released the west division men’s soccer all-stars and major award winners.
 
In his first season with the team, Maiorano (Whitby, Ont.) established himself as a leader on the backline and contributed to the much improved defence, one that reduced the team’s goals against to 39 from 63 a season ago.
 
“It’s an awesome feeling to be recognized as an OUA All-Star,” said Maiorano. “I think this is a stepping-stone for others who come to play men’s soccer here at UOIT. Hard work and determination does pay off and I have to thank the coaching staff for always pushing us as players. It feels incredible to be the first athlete to earn this award in school history.”

Head coach Vaso Vujanovic brought Maiorano into the Ridgebacks starting lineup after he played three years south of the border.

“Aldo is a very smart defender who has great vision, good techniques and tactical abilities,” said Vujanovic. “He has immediately taken a leadership role with the young Ridgebacks team and has quickly established himself as one of the top defenders and leaders in the OUA.”

The UOIT men’s soccer program just completed their second season in the OUA and the team continues to improve every time they step on the pitch.
 
“Although having a very young team, we showed that we could compete with the top teams in the OUA,” said Maiorano. “Having the challenge to build a winning program and finish my degree at UOIT has been an unbelievable experience so far. As one of the older guys on the team, I feel like I can contribute a lot to the program as well as the players. I am looking forward to next season.”

OUA MEN’S WEST DIVISION MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
Most Valuable Player: Robbie Murphy (Guelph)
Rookie of the Year: Gersi Xhuti (McMaster)
Coach of the Year: Keith Mason (Guelph)
 
FIRST-TEAM ALL-STARS
Goalkeeper: Matt Grant (McMaster)
Defender: Anthony Costa (McMaster)
Defender: Luigi Oliverio (York)
Defender: Dominic Bell (Western)
Defender: Garret McConville (McMaster)
Midfielder: Alon Badat (York)
Midfielder: Gersi Xhuti (McMaster)
Midfielder: Haris Cekic (Western)
Midfielder: Ilya Orlov (York)
Striker: Robbie Murphy (Guelph)
Striker: Adrian Pena (York)
 
SECOND-TEAM ALL-STARS
Goalkeeper: Sotiri Varlokostas (York)
Defender: Paul D’Amario (Western)
Defender: Tom Paron (Guelph) Defender: Trevor Schein (Laurier)
Defender: Aldo Maiorano (UOIT)
Midfielder: Aaron Boothe (McMaster)
Midfielder: Dena Iezady (Guelph)
Midfielder: Donald Chmura (Laurier)
Midfielder: Andrew Walton (Western)
Midfielder: Charles Trafford (York)
Striker: Mark Reilly (McMaster)

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.259.2825 (C)
905.721.3117 (F)