SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) honored Santa Clara University upperclassmen Erik Hurtado and Mykell Bates as NCAA All-Far West Regional performers today. The three-team list identifies the West Coast's best players at each position. Hurtado was a second team honoree and Bates was included on the third team.

The announcement follows a release earlier this the week identifying Bates as a potential Major League Soccer (MLS) Draft pick. Bates was on the initial roster selected to participate in January's 2012 MLS Combine.

Hurtado, a junior from Beaverton, Ore., has one more year of college eligibility and will undoubtedly be one of the nation's top forwards next fall. Hurtado led the WCC in shots (85) and points (19) this season, while tying for the league-lead in goals (6) and assists (7).

Bates, a senior from Roseville, Calif., has been rated as high as No. 8 among college seniors as a professional prospect by TopDrawerSoccer.com. He was twice a Santa Clara team captain, leading the Broncos to the WCC's best overall record (11-5-4) and a national ranking of No. 18 in 2011.

Both student-athletes were named All-West Coast Conference First Team players for the second consecutive season.