On Wednesday the Premier Development League released their selections for the All-Southern Conference team for the 2017 season. Amongst many strong players and performances, including a number of PDL Top 50 prospects, Rowdies U23 midfielder Kevin Varela was named as a member of the first team.
Leading the team in both goals (8) and assists (3) this season, Varela was nothing short of a force to be reckoned with every time he hit the pitch. He was continually making the lives of backlines difficult with his skilled, relentless attacks.
Furthermore, Varela was a consistent contributor on the defensive side of play. A number of times this season, he has single handedly shut down opposing threats and created excellent opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Additionally, Varela was a strong presence in the locker room and truly stepped up to a leadership role when injuries struck some of the team’s most talented players.
The All-Conference team was voted on by members of the conference itself indicating that not only did Varela earn the respect of his teammates, coaches, and staff, but also that of his competitors as well.
Varela will be returning to school at Liberty University this fall where he enters his junior season as one of the standout players on the team. After earning All-Conference honors as a freshman and a sophomore, Varela again looks to be one of the most dominant players in his league this coming season.