Freeman named U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian, Wiersma named to U SPORTS All-Rookie Team

Saint Mary's Huskies men's soccer forward Sean Freeman (Halifax, N.S.), was named a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian, while defender Orion Wiersma (Barrie, ON) was named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team on Wednesday night.

Freeman appeared in 10 games with the Huskies and led the team and finished tied for the AUS lead in goals with nine. The second year striker also led the conference in game-winning goals (5), penalty kick goals (2) and led the Huskies in points (10), shots (25) and shots on goal (15).

"Sean Freeman has quickly developed into one of the top goal scorers in the conference," says Huskies head coach Mesut Mert. "His goal scoring prowess was really important to our team's success in allowing us to reach the playoffs again. I think it is a very deserved honour for him, he put in a lot of work in the offseason to continue to get better and it's great to see that hard work pay off."

It's the second straight year Freeman has been honoured at the U SPORTS banquet, as last season he was named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie team. This adds to an impressive list of accolades for his 2022 campaign, including an AUS First Team All-Star selection, AUS Athlete of the Week, and two Saint Mary's Male Athlete of the Week honours.

First year defender Orion Wiersma was named to the 2022 U SPORTS All-Rookie team. Wiersma was one of just three Huskies players to start all 12 games for his team, and played nearly every minute of the regular season.

"Orion Wiersma perfectly slotted in our backline as a first year centreback," says Huskies head coach Mesut Mert. "There can be a lot of pressure on centrebacks in this league, and Orion handles that with a maturity beyond his years. He plays calm and composed on the ball, is a good passer and great tackler. He's improving as a long ball threat and a playmaker, and if he continues with his work ethic, he'll be one of the best players in our conference in due time."

Wiersma's selection makes it three seasons in a row that the Huskies have had a U SPORTS All-Rookie selection; Freeman in 2021, and forward James Spence (Hammonds Plains, N.S.) was named to the 2019 U SPORTS All-Rookie Team. 

Click here for the full list of U SPORTS Men's Soccer award winners.