Barton’s Constante and Cruz named to NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer All-America list #GoBarton

Lucas Constante and Henrique Cruz of the 5th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team have been named to the 2023 NJCAA Division I All-America teams.

The pair mark the third time in the past six seasons the program has had two selections on the annual list, the seventh time the program has had two in the same year, and become the program's 22nd and 23rd All-America award winners.

Constante is the program's eighth 1st team selection and the fourth in the last six seasons while Cruz's 2nd team honor is the seventh in Barton's 23rd year of competition.

Earning Head Coach Rafael Simmons' first All-America award winners, the duo helped Barton to a conference mark of 9-1-2 in capturing its 12th KJCCC title, going on to make its 6th national tournament appearance in concluding the campaign at 18-4-4.

Lucas Constante – 1st Team All-America
A sophomore from Jaragua do sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Constante is the program's 4th forward landing on the first team and the 12th overall in that position.

Constante was a defensive nightmare for opponents all season earning the Offensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-KJCCC/Region 6 honors.

Delivering 19 goals to lead the league in ranking second amongst all scorers in the nation, Constante also distributing six assists to also led the conference with 44 points and rank third on the NJCAA season leader list.

The striker recorded a marker in eight of the twelve conference games including a seven-match goal streak which featured two games with multiple goals of two and three.

Finishing the season ranked inside Barton's single season record books with the 7th most goals delivered and 9th most points accumulated, Constante concluded his two-year career in the blue and black with the 9th most goals produced (24) and 12th most points accrued (54).

Henrique Cruz – 2nd Team All-America
A two-year starter from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Cruz is the program's first defender landing on the second team and the fourth overall behind the first team selections of Barton Hall of Famer Kevin Ellis (2010) Victor Gonzalez (2018).

The team captain and leader of Barton's back-line, Cruz helped guide the Cougars to nine shutouts, held opponents to one or no goals in 19 games played in surrendering a total of just 24 goals in 26 games.

A returning KJCCC second team selection from last year, Cruz was a big part in Barton's regular season sweeping of 11th ranked Cowley as the Cougar defense held the conference's highest offensive team to just two goals in the pair of matchups.

Cruz recorded a trio of goals with his first collegiate goal coming in Barton's 2-2 draw against Coffeyville while sharing top team distribution honors with Loic Kanku in dishing out seven assists each.

Previous Barton NJCAA All-America Selections: (*Two-time Selections)
1st Team
Lucas Constante (Forward) – 2023
Gabriel Arraes (Forward) – 2018
Marcelo Carminatti (Forward) – 2008
Felipe D'Agostini (Forward) – 2020-21 *2019 3rd Team with Cloud County
*Kevin Ellis (Defender) – 2010
Victor Gonzalez (Defender) – 2018
*Craig Ratanamorn (Goalkeeper) – 2005 & 2006

2nd Team
Henrique Cruz (Defender) – 2023
Ebu Camara (Forward) – 2013
Bruno Conceicao (Midfielder) – 2005
Trey Davis (Forward/Midfielder) – 2004
*Kevin Ellis (Forward) – 2009
Gabrielle Privitera (Forward) – 2020-21
Renan Sousa (Midfielder) – 2015

3rd Team
Lucas Alves (Forward) – 2016
Gonzalo Gelso (Midfielder) – 2012
Diogo Quirino (Defender) – 2012
Honorable Mention
Omar Ayache (Forward) – 2006
Michael Brewer (Forward) – 2007
Donovan Dowling (Goalkeeper) – 2008
Malik Jobe (Forward) – 2003
Mario Ulloa (Midfielder) – 2002

Chronological order of Barton NJCAA All-America Selections:
2023 – Lucas Constante (Forward) – 1st Team; Henrique Cruz (Defender) – 2nd Team
2020-21 – Felipe D'Agostini (Forward) – 1st Team; Gabrielle Privitera (Forward) – 2nd Team
2018 - Gabriel Arraes (Forward) – 1st Team; Victor Gonzalez (Defender) – 1st Team
2016 - Lucas Alves (Midfielder) – 3rd Team
2015 - Renan Sousa (Midfielder) – 2nd Team
2013 – Soriba "Ebu" Camara (Forward) – 2nd Team
2012 – Gonzalo Gelso (Midfielder) – 3rd Team; Diogo Quirino (Defender) – 3rd Team
2010 – Kevin Ellis (Defender) – 1st Team
2009 – Kevin Ellis (Midfielder) – 2nd Team
2008 – Marcello Carminatti (Forward) – 1st Team; Donovan Dowling (Goalkeeper) – Honorable Mention
2007 – Michael Brewer (Forward) – Honorable Mention
2006 – Craig Ratanamorn (Goalkeeper) – 1st Team; Omar Ayache (Midfielder) – Honorable Mention
2005 – Craig Ratanamorn (Goalkeeper) – 1st Team; Bruno Conceicao (Midfielder) – 2nd Team
2004 – Trey Davis (Midfielder) – 2nd Team
2003 – Malik Jobe (Midfielder) – 2nd Team
2002 – Mario Ulloa (Midfielder) – Honorable Mention