ALBION, Mich. -- Three Albion men's soccer players were selected to the United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-Region VIII team.

Esteban Mercado (first team), Robin Ruigendijk (second team) and Lucas Anderson (third team) each achieved this honor.

It marked the first time a Briton received All-Region recognition since Charles Micunek in 2013. It was also the most representation on the squad from Albion since 2006, when Justin Ferriman, Jason Smith and Clayton Wilson each made the list.

Mercado was a key piece to Albion's 12-3-2 season, their best since 2006, while earning the No. 2 seed in the MIAA Tournament. The sophomore finished third in the MIAA in goals (11) and points (25) while notching a conference-best six game-winning goals and earning a spot on the All-MIAA first team.

His goal total marked the best in a single season for Albion since future All-Region selection Smith's 12 in 2003.

Ruigendijk had one of the greatest seasons for a freshman in Albion history, as he was the first Briton to receive the MIAA Freshman of the Year award. He topped the MIAA in assists with nine and was fifth in the conference in points (21) while also being named first-team All-MIAA and picking up two MIAA Offensive Player of the Week honors.

His assist total was the most for Albion in a single season since Chris Himes's 10 in 2003. Ruigendijk was also one of three freshmen named to either the first or second team on the All-Region VIII squad.

Anderson, who transferred from Concordia in Ann Arbor, from nearby Concordia, logged over 1,300 minutes while playing in the heart of Albion's defense. The junior helped the Britons register eight clean sheets over the course of the season and picked up one MIAA Defensive Player of the Week award along the way.

For the complete list of All-Region players, please see the attachment here.