Leon Maric named Philly Soccer 6 Player of the Year

A return home was just the change of scenery Leon Maric needed to jumpstart his college soccer career.

The Gilbertsville, Pa. native, who played for Continental FC and the Philadelphia Union Academy before heading to college, struggled to find playing time his first two seasons at the University of Virginia but last fall it was defenses who struggled to stop the 6-foot-5 target man.

Maric led the high-powered Saint Joseph’s attack and the Philly Soccer 6 with 12 goals and an assist and on Tuesday night was named the Chris Jones Player of the Year at the annual Philly Soccer 6 banquet. He was joined by teammates Alvin Dahn and Ritchie Barry on the All-Star Team while freshman Frantz Pierrot was selected for the All-Rookie Team.

Bethlehem Steel FC midfielder Zach Zandi was named to the All-Start Team after his standout senior season. The former Philadelphia Union Academy and Penn Fusion Academy midfielder led the co-Soccer Six champions Villanova with seven goals and three assists, which included three game-winners.

Other players from greater Philadelphia recognized at Tuesday’s banquet include Drexel teammates Chris Donovan and Joey Martini on the All-Freshman team. Former Elizabethtown standout Doug Hess was named Bill Harris Coach of the Year after leading the Dragons to a 9-5-3 record.

2018 Philadelphia Soccer 6 Awards

Champions
Villanova University
Drexel University

All-Star Team
Kwesi Allen, F, Drexel, Jr.
Ritchie Barry, M, Saint Joseph’s, So.
Pierre Cayet, D, Temple, So.
Alvin Dahn, M, Saint Joseph’s, So.
Mathias Ebbesen, M, Drexel, Sr.
Lukas Fernandes, M, Temple, Jr.
Griffin Mallas, D, Drexel, Gr.
Leon Maric, F, Saint Joseph’s, Jr.
Soji Olatoye, F, La Salle, So.
Alex Touche, D, Penn, So.
Zach Zandi, M, Villanova, Sr.
Scott Forbes, GK, Penn, Sr.

Chris Jones Player of the Year
Leon Maric, F, Saint Joseph’s, Jr.

William “Bill” Wilkinson Freshman of the Year
Jalen Campbell, M, Temple

Bill Harris Coach of the Year
Doug Hess, Drexel

John McAdams Academic Player of the Year
Hermann Doerner, M, Temple, Sr.

Goals Leader
Leon Maric, F, Saint Joseph’s, Jr.
12 Goals

Assists Leaders
Alvin Dahn, M, Saint Joseph’s, So.
10 Assists

Points Leader
Leon Maric, F, Saint Joseph’s, Jr.
25 Points

Goals Against Average Leader
Scott Forbes, GK, Penn, Sr.
0.84 GAA

All-Rookie Team
Fridtjof Andberg, M, La Salle
Andres Charles Barrera, M, Temple
Jalen Campbell, M, Temple
Bennett Detweiler, D, Drexel
Chris Donovan, F, Drexel
Stephen Kopsachilis, GK, Drexel
Joey Martini, D, Drexel
Frantz Pierrot, F, Saint Joseph’sBen Stitz, F, Penn
Elias Hellgren Villegas, F, Temple
Carson Williams, GK, Villanova