May 8, 2009

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason men's soccer head coach Greg Andrulis recently announced the 2008 team award winners at the Patriots' annual team banquet. Each year the team hands out eight awards, which are permanently named after each one of the original Men's Soccer Hall of Fame inductees of the class of 2006, as well as John O'Hara (2001-04).

Senior forward Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe took home three pieces of hardware at the banquet, winning the Fred Thompson MVP Award, the Tamir Linhart Golden Boot Award and the Eduardo Lima Offensive Player of the Year Award. Adjeman-Pamboe, who was selected by the Colorado Rapids in the second round (28th overall pick) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, led George Mason in goals (9), assists (7) and points (25). Adjeman-Pamboe ranked in the top-10 in the CAA in all three categories.

Another multiple award-winner was senior defender Jonathan Borrajo, who won the Mike Reynolds Alumni Award, along with Denis Hamlett Defensive Player of the Year honors. Borrajo earned the first All-CAA selection of his career in 2008 when he was named Second-Team All-CAA. The Clifton, N.J. native's leadership was invaluable to a defensive unit that posted 10 shutouts in 23 matches.

Rounding out the award winners were junior midfielder Richard Edgar, the Gordon Bradley Coaches Award recipient; junior Sean Kelley, the Martin Dunphy Goalkeeper of the Year Award winner; and freshman midfielder Ryan Gracia, the John O'Hara Newcomer of the Year Award winner.

The Patriots wrapped up the season with a 14-7-2 record, the most wins for the team since the 1996 season. After capturing the 2008 CAA Championship, Mason advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 1-0 shutout of Ivy League Champion Penn on Nov. 21 at George Mason Stadium. The Patriots lost to the eventual national champion, the Maryland Terrapins, in the second round of the tournament. Mason finished the season ranked 19th by Soccer America and 24th by College Soccer News.

2008 Men's Soccer Award Winners
Gordon Bradley Coaches Award - Richard Edgar
Given annually to the player that best emulates the meaning of being a student-athlete. This person will have excelled on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Mike Reynolds Alumni Award - Jonathan Borrajo
Given annually to the player that best emulates all that it means to be a Mason alumni, a great person both on and off the field, and a true teammate.

Fred Thompson Team MVP - Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe
Given annually to the player that was the most valuable player on the field; whose contributions made a significant impact on the team.

Tamir Linhart Golden Boot - Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe
Given annually to the player that had the most offensive points on the team.

Eduardo Lima Offensive Player of the Year - Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe
Given annually to the player that had the greatest impact on the offensive side of the field.

Denis Hamlett Defensive Player of the Year - Jonathan Borrajo
Given annually to the best defensive player on the team.

Martin Dunphy Goalkeeper of the Year - Sean Kelley
Given annually to the team's best goalkeeper.

John O'Hara Newcomer of the Year - Ryan Gracia
Given annually to the first-year player, freshman or transfer, who had the greatest impact.