Logan Andryk and Mariah Vichich earn Sarah Hegarty Awards, Patrick Hodan and Brittany Von Rueden earn USSDA and ECNL MVPs (pictured left to right)
On FC Milwaukee’s Senior Night the club’s most prestigious honor, The Sarah Hegarty Award was awarded to U18 players Logan Andryk (U18 USSDA) and Mariah Vichich (U18 ECNL). The awards criteria are the attributes of the late Sarah Hegarty: a great player, loyal and determined both on and off the field.
In addition to the Sarah Hegarty Award, FCMN also named the Elite Clubs National League and United States Soccer Developmental Academy U18 Most Valuable Player award winners. This year's Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year winner, Patrick Hodan and U18 Women's National Team member Brittany Von Rueden took home club honors as the standout players on their respective teams.
Mariah Vichich has been with the club since U11. The lefty has never been outspoken, but her lead by example persona, consistency on the field and progression from year to year make her an embodiment of everything the award stands for. Coaching Director Peter Knezic, “Mariah has been a staple of her team since the beginning. Her approach to her teammates, coaches and the club has always been excellent. She personifies the club and we are proud to have a young lady like Mariah represent FC Milwaukee.”
Mariah’s hard work and commitment have paid off. She will be attending school and playing soccer at the University of Loyola Chicago. She was also recently asked to participate in the ECNL Development Player Program.
Off the field Mariah is an excellent student and member of the National Honor Society.
Logan Andryk began with the club at U12 and has displayed the resilience and persistence of all great players. A star when he was younger, Logan, like so many other players, physically developed at about age 16. His first year (as a sophomore) in the USSDA was an uphill struggle. He began the season on the bench but by the end of year was a consistent starter in the central midfield. Today he maintains that position and continues to be a force.
Though courted by Division I schools Logan chose to continue his education and soccer career at the Milwaukee School of Engineering where he will study Biomolecular Engineering.
Logan is a National Honor Society student, on the Honor Roll, an NSCAA Academic All American, was named to the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association All State Team and The Journal Sentinel All Area team.
FC Milwaukee Director of Coaching Peter Knezic on Logan Andryk: “Logan is the type of player you want to play with, the type of player you want to coach and the type of person you can count on. He is bound for great things.”
U18 Boys USSDA Most Valuable Player was awarded to Patrick Hodan. Patrick has been confusing opponents since he started with the club at U11. The tricky lefty rarely ends a game without a goal or an assist. “Patrick is deadly because he beats you off the dribble, pass or shot,” states Coach Rob Harrington. “He is just a nightmare for opponents. He is like long slender version of a young Peter Knezic.
Patrick will be attending and playing college soccer at the University of Notre Dame.
Outside of FC Milwaukee Patrick is a National Honor Society student and has garnered every top award a High School Player in the state can receive including: Gatorade Player of the Year, NSCAA All American, NSCAA Academic All American, Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and Journal Sentinel Player of the Year.
US Youth National Team Member, USYS National Champion and Class Valedictorian Brittany Von Rueden was awarded the U18 ECNL MVP for the 2nd consecutive season. With the club since U10 Brittany has been a stalwart center back from an early age. A tremendous ball striker and force in the air Brittany consistently plays the role of central defender reminiscent of the classic great defenders. Her talents obviously have not gone unnoticed as the highly recruited player will be attending the University of Notre Dame.
Last season Brittany helped lead the U18 team to the clubs 2nd National Championship.
FC Milwaukee Director of Coaching Peter Knezic on Brittany Von Rueden: “Brittany is the prototype central defender. She is vocal, a good tackler a great ball striker and can cover ground. She is a center back who changes games.”
