One player is a leader by example and the other is the squad’s top young talent.

Both have been recognized as two of the best in the Canada West University Athletic Association.

University of the Fraser Valley soccer players Robbie Fadden and James Giebelhaus, both from Abbotsford, have been named to the Canada West Conference second all-star team, which was selected by head coaches across the league.

Fadden started 12 of the team’s 14 games during the season, tying for the team lead in goals and points, scoring four times on just 15 shots, and totalling five points.

“Being selected feels great,” said Fadden, who, along with Giebelhaus, spends his summers with the Abbotsford Mariners, a Premier Development League team. “This league suited my style of play perfectly. It is a hard working league, and any hard-working player can compete with the best in the league.”

Fadden, who was named Cascades rookie of the year in 2008-20, certainly improved his play in his second season.

“Fadden has been a starter on the team since last year when he came on as a rookie,” said UFV men’s soccer coach Alan Errington. “His tenacious style of play, combined with his ability to see the game and make good decisions, makes him the perfect midfielder. Robbie can score goals as well as defend and his enthusiasm for the game is infectious.”

Giebelhaus started 12 of 14 games for the Cascades. He didn’t record any points, but did lead all UFV defenders with 14 shots at the opposition goal.

“I’m really proud to be selected, and it feels great to be recognized for something that I have put so much time and effort into,” Giebelhaus said. “I feel very proud to represent the university, the team and my coaches with this honour. I hope that with these awards, Robbie and I can go on and take the team and soccer program to the next level, and make the playoffs next year.”

The Cascades finished sixth in the eight team conference with a record of 4-8-2 through 14 games.

Giebelhaus, who was named team captain for the 2009-10 season, led the Cascades in total minutes played with 1,170.

“James is one of the best players in the league and the best left backs in the division,” Errington noted. “He has shown that he can play at the highest level. His leadership and knowledge of the game makes my job a lot easier, since he coaches the game while he plays. I consider James a future coach, but he still has a lot of playing to do yet.”