Karasawa, Fernandez, Carrieri garner Heart soccer awards

OLATHE, Kan. -- Mount Mercy junior midfielder Keita Karasawa was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year and first-team all-conference while junior defender Martin Fernandez was named to the second team and junior midfielder Ivano Carrieri was a third-team selection by a vote of league coaches.

Karasawa started all 16 games for the Mustangs this season. He shared the team lead in goals scored during the regular season with six and also assisted another. His total shot attempts (37) and shots on goal (18) were also best on the squad.

Fernandez impacted the Mount Mercy defense with his size on the back line but also scored a pair of goals this season. Carrieri anchored the midfield and led the Mustangs with 14 points which included six goals and a pair of assists.

2023 Heart of America Men's Soccer Awards

Heart Player of the Year: Gyorgy Kamaras (Baker)
Heart Coach of the Year: Vladimir Simic (Missouri Valley)
Heart Offensive Player of the Year: Gyorgy Kamaras (Missouri Valley)
Heart Defensive Player of the Year: Kazuki Hashimoto (Missouri Valley)
Heart Newcomer of the Year: Keita Karasawa (Mount Mercy)
Heart Freshman of the Year: Emre Baris (William Penn)