BELLEVUE, Neb. - Bellevue University senior Manuel Lira (Guadalajara, Mexico) has been named a 2014 NAIA Soccer Honorable Mention All-American as announced by the NAIA today. Lira led the team to their first MCAC regular season championship since 2010 and scored a goal to help the Bruins claim their second straight MCAC Tournament Championship this past season.
Lira scored 10 goals, including a pair of game-winners while adding six assists for a total of 26 points on the season. He ranked third on the team in both goals and points while coming in at third in assists. His true value to the team involved more than just the great numbers he produced.
Lira possesses game-changing speed which causes opposing defenses to have to game plan around his greatest asset. In owning great speed he was able to put excessive pressure on opposing back lines and keep plays alive like few other players can allowing for additional opportunities for the team to score.
This honor comes on the heels of Lira earned all-MCAC First Team honors. Lira was named All-MCAC for the second time in his career (also earning first team accolades in 2013) after scoring eight goals and assisting on six others for 22 points to place third on the team prior to MCAC Tournament play.
Bellevue wrapped up the 2014 season with a heart-breaking double-overtime defeat in the second round of the NAIA National Tournament. The Bruins compiled a 15-3-2 record for the second-most victories in program history (16 - 2005).
For the NAIA release and complete list of All-Americans please click here.
