DePaul University Athletics
Aguilar, Mangan Honored With All-BIG EAST Selections
11/12/2010 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
Nov. 12, 2010
CHICAGO - Antonio Aguilar had just gotten out of class at 9 o'clock Thursday night when he answered a phone call from DePaul soccer coach Craig Blazer.
"Congratulations," Blazer said.
"For what?" Aguilar replied.
"You made All-BIG EAST Second Team," Blazer responded.
"Are you sure?" Aguilar said. "That's awesome."
Along with Aguilar's selection, Alex Mangan was chosen for All-BIG EAST Third Team in voting by the league's coaches.
Aguilar and Mangan were the heart and soul of DePaul's offense this season, scoring 11 of the team's 15 goals and accounting for 26 of the Blue Demons' 40 points.
"This is flattering and humbling," said Mangan, a senior forward who led DePaul with six goals and 14 points. "I've never been honored by the BIG EAST before. I'm grateful the coaches would think of me.
"Having DePaul represented by Tony and I is awesome for the school and the men's soccer program.
"It speaks to Tony and the work he has put in. For me, it's nice to be recognized one last time for all the work I've put in and the time I've spent here."
Mangan had one goal and one assist in BIG EAST play while Aguilar had two goals and an assist in conference---including the game-winning goal at Rutgers that sent DePaul into the BIG EAST Championship tournament.
"Alex and Antonio invested a lot of time and energy to improve their games," Blazer said. "To be recognized by the BIG EAST coaches for their success is very rewarding.
"Both of these young men made us better and are outstanding examples of successful DePaul soccer players."
Aguilar, a sophomore midfielder, was named to the BIG EAST All-Rookie Team last year.
"I'm really honored to be selected All-BIG EAST since this is one of the top conferences in the nation," Aguilar said. "One of the goals I set was to make All-BIG EAST.
"Next year, I'll have a different goal. I'll try to get All-BIG EAST First Team."
With Mangan graduating, Aguilar will be the top goal-scoring threat in 2011.
"I'm definitely ready to be the leader of our offense next year," Aguilar said. "I started out slowly this year because of an injury.
"But this offseason, I'm going to do as much as I can to be really successful next year and help my team all I can."
Mangan is a big believer in his teammate.
"Tony is going to have a lot on his shoulder," Mangan said. "But he is more than capable of handling it.
"It's going to be exciting to see how he does next year."
