KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The United Soccer Coaches (USC) announced its All-Central Region team Tuesday afternoon, recognizing four players from the men's soccer team: Alex Laing, Artur Carvalho, Louis Bassett and Brandon O'Rourke. Each athlete was named to the first team.
 
Laing, named the GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Year, earned his second all-region honor of the season after being selected to the D2CCA All-Central Region First Team on Nov. 25. The London, England,  native appeared in 18 matches, starting in 15 and logging a total of 1,158 minutes this season. He scored one goal against Southern Nazarene on Oct. 11 and provided an assist in the home game against the Crimson Storm on Oct. 29. Laing also received recognition as the GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Week for his standout performances against Rockhurst and Oklahoma Christian.
 
Defender Carvalho garnered his fourth all-region selection, receiving his second first team nod this season. The native of Faro, Portugal, played in 20 matches, starting 14 and recording a total of 1,578 minutes. He contributed four points through four assists and played a crucial role in helping the Hillcats secure 12 shutouts this season. Carvalho's impressive defensive play earned him two GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honors and an All-GAC/MIAA First Team selection.
 
Bassett, who earned an All-GAC/MIAA First Team selection along with D2CCA All-Central Region Second Team honors, achieved his third all-region recognition. The forward from Leicester, England, native demonstrated offensive prowess in 2025, totaling 12 points in 21 games, including 20 starts. He contributed three goals and six assists while registering 57 shots, 25 of which were on target. His consistent performances on the attack earned him two GAC/MIAA Offensive Player of the Week awards.
 
O'Rourke achieved back-to-back USC All-Central Region First Team honors. The Bartlesville, Oklahoma, native played in 23 matches this season, making 19 starts as a forward. He recorded 14 points with five goals and four assists, taking 37 shots and placing 14 on target. O'Rourke was also recognized as an All-GAC/MIAA Second Team selection and received the prestigious GAC/MIAA Elite Scholar Student-Athlete Award for maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
 
Each athlete will advance to the USC All-America ballot that will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 11. For more information, visit Awards Central 2025-26 | United Soccer Coaches.