2021 Men’s Soccer All-GPAC Teams
Second Team: Yessine Bessaïes, Iker Casanova, David Moreno
Honorable Mention: Decker Mattimoe, Garrett Perry
SEWARD, Neb. – A trio of Bulldogs from the Concordia University Men’s Soccer program landed on the all-conference second team, as announced by the GPAC on Monday (Nov. 15). Second team accolades went to Yessine Bessaïes, Iker Casanova and David Moreno. In addition, Decker Mattimoe and Garrett Perry were chosen as Honorable Mention All-GPAC.
A native of Bordeaux, France, Bessaïes starred as the team’s top offensive threat this fall. He led the team in goals (six), assists (five) and points (17) while playing in all 18 games (17 starts). Also an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, Bessaïes notched a goal and two assists in the win at Dakota Wesleyan and found the back of the net twice in the victory over Presentation. In two seasons with the Bulldogs, Bessaïes has totaled 10 goals and 12 assists without missing a single game (36 games played).
An essential figure on the back line, Casanova has picked up Second Team All-GPAC accolades for the second year in a row. The native of Mexico City, Mexico, helped Concordia limit its opponents to 22 goals over 18 games this past fall. Casanova started all 18 outings and recorded one assist. In two seasons at Concordia, Casanova has started 35 of a possible 36 matches. He has posted three goals and three assists in his collegiate career.
The 2021 campaign actually marked Moreno’s sixth season on an NAIA soccer program’s roster. The transfer from the University of Northwestern Ohio has been a dependable player in the midfield. In 2021, Moreno (Cali, Colombia) started 17 games and tallied three goals. The previous year, Moreno posted one goal and one assist while playing 18 games. In his time at Northwestern Ohio, Moreno contributed to a team that reached the national tournament.
Mattimoe has provided a physical presence at center back throughout his four years with the Bulldogs. The native of Cheyenne, Wyo., started all 18 games this past season and combined on a solid overall collective team defensive performance. Mattimoe appeared in 52 matches during his time at Concordia. He is a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
Perry returned to the program for a fifth season in 2021 and produced four goals and three assists while playing in 15 games (10 starts). The native of Corona, Calif., garnered Honorable Mention All-GPAC recognition three times in his career and is also a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete. In 81 career games with the Bulldogs, Perry totaled 17 goals and 15 assists. Perry was a key contributor on the 2017 team that set a school record with 16 victories that season.
Head Coach Jason Weides’ squad finished the 2021 season at 7-8-3 overall and in fifth place in the GPAC regular season standings. The campaign came to an end in the GPAC quarterfinals.