AZUSA, Calif. -- In retrospect, grit and spirit might be the 2 defining qualities of this year’s Azusa Pacific team.
The Cougars seemingly scored at will on their opponents during a season in which it sometimes appeared that their greatest fight was with the injury bug.
Through it all the Cougars made a run through the NAIA Tournament unlike any other in program history advancing to the title game for the first time. They won over fans with their dramatic finishes, which included a pair of overtime thrillers at the national tournament, and an ability to stand strong in the face of battle tested foes.
For their efforts 4 Cougars were awarded All-American status for their work during the 2005 campaign.
The 2005 Golden State Athletic Conference and Region II Player of the Year senior forward Andriy Budnyy was named to the first team becoming the fourth player in program history to earn the honor.
Meanwhile, the Cougars’ second leading scorer Ian Leibbrandt was named to the third team. Additionally, midfielder Skelly Kellar and keeper Morgan Cathey earned honorable mention.
Budnyy led the team with 45 points despite missing time during the regular season with a knee injury. He returned after playing in only 3 conference games and immediately bolstered the Cougars’ attack.
His performance at the national tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla. was an indication of his ability as his play stood out against the best the nation had to offer. Twice he scored overtime goals with his most dramatic being a rocket he ripped into the lower corner near post past Auburn-Montgomery’s Bjarki Gudmundsson to lift the Cougars into the national semi-finals.
"He certainly was all we said he was," said head coach Phil Wolf. "He showed it at the national tournament while less than 100 percent. He verified why he was on the first team. He deserved it."
Leibbrandt concluded his Cougar career with 16 goals and 4 assists as he moved into third place on all-time scoring list at Azusa Pacific. He finishes with 116 points (50 goals and 16 assists) just 9 short of Jason Roufs record of 125.
His season included one of the most spectacular starts to a game seen at the Azusa Square. In the opening round of the regional playoffs the Cougars hosted Menlo and Leibbrandt responded with 4 goals – in the first 14:05 of the game. He finished a goal shy of the school record of 5 in a game reached twice, the last time in 1978.
"He is a handful of a kid and it was nice that the coaches recognized his career," Wolf said. "He's been 4 years of player to go against."
Kellar again controlled the central midfield. The junior finished the season with a team-high 12 assists to go along with 3 goals. Kellar tied a school mark with 3 assists in the Cougars’ 7-1 win over Judson (Ill.). He finished 1 assist shy of tying the school mark of 13 assists in a season.
"It was great for him to be recognized at the national tournament as well. He does a great job for us. He is the man in the engine room," added Wolf.
While Cathey’s career was cut short at the end of the season because of a shoulder injury it did not diminish his accomplishments this season. Cathey recorded 4 shutouts and was in goal for 14 of the Cougars’ victories. He concludes his career with 34 career wins in goal.
"He had a great career and did a super job for us. He started for 4 years and it was great to see him rewarded," said Wolf.
For Azusa Pacific its 4 selections represent the highest number of All-Americans since 2001.
It was only the second time that Azusa Pacific has won 20 games in a season with the other coming in 1996. The Cougars finished the season with an overall record of 20-5-0.
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