Soccer player wins MVP award in section match in Marshall

Albert Lea senior Lennon Shimon has been one of many bright spots on this year’s boys’ soccer team. Shimon lead the Tigers in scoring throughout their 2017 season, in which they finished with a record of 10-7 and reached the Section 2A semifinals.

On Saturday, Shimon let the entire region get a glimpse of his skills. Shimon, along with his Albert Lea teammates Spencer Indrelie, Josh Englin and Lay Wah, were selected to play in the Section 2A All-Star match in Marshall. Shimon was the star of the game, as his team won 6-1, and he scored three goals to win MVP of the game.

He talked about what it was like to not only be selected to play in the game, but win the MVP award as well.

“I felt really proud because I have worked really hard in the offseason to get to that point,” Shimon said. “Then, to get out there and play with all those phenomenal athletes and having them set me up was great.”

Shimon said his favorite memory from his young career in soccer was all the bus rides home after away games, especially the games that were far away. He mentioned his teammates when asked about what he was going to miss the most.

“I’m really just going to miss playing with everybody,” he said. “Most of us have been playing together since we were 8. I’m just going to miss the family aspect of it.”

Although he also plays basketball and runs track, Shimon would like to continue playing soccer as he moves on to college. He has applied a few colleges so far and is waiting to hear back.

There are many lessons that can be learned by participating in sports. Shimon said he has learned a lot throughout his time in soccer, but one thing has stuck out more than others.

“Hard work pays off,” Shimon said. “My ninth-grade year, I didn’t make the varsity team. I told myself, ‘If I work hard I’ll be able to make my way up to varsity.’ That’s what I did every summer, just work hard.”