KANSAS CITY, MO -- Three days after its historic season ended, Cal State LA's men's soccer program picked up another major honor Tuesday from the United Soccer Coaches.

Senior goalkeeper Alexander Brems was named the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Player of the Year by the coaches' organization. Brems was a key figure in Cal State LA's record-breaking season that saw the Golden Eagles reach the NCAA Championship game for the first time since 1981 and for only the second time in program history. Brems earned first-team All-America honors from two organizations after posting a nation's-best 14 shutouts and posting a goals against average of 0.42.

Brems ended his two-year career with 28 shutouts, which set a new program record. The old mark of 27 was held by David Jacques since 1986.

"Alex has been an integral piece to our success during his time with us over the past two years," Cal State LA head coach Chris Chamides said. "We've won multiple championships in his tenure and his play has been a big part of that work. Congratulations and credit to him and his teammates for this recognition. This is another great day for our program."

Brems had two memorable saves on penalty kicks during Cal State LA's historic postseason run. First, he stopped a penalty kick in the opening minutes of a second-round game against Midwestern State that the Golden Eagles went on to win, 3-0. The stop came with the game still scoreless and seemed to energize the Golden Eagles, who went on two score a pair of goals before the half.

Then, in the next round, Brems stopped the first penalty-kick try by St. Mary's in the shootout after the game ended in a 1-1 tie. After Brems' stop, the Golden Eagles converted in their next four tries to secure a 5-3 advantage and move onto the next round. 

The Golden Eagles finished the 2019 season with a program-best 19-1-3 overall record and a spot in the national championship game. They achieved the program's second national title game appearance and first since 1981. They also were just the 11th team in any sport at Cal State LA to finish as a national runner-up and first since women's track and field in 1995.

Cal State LA won the California Collegiate Athletic Association regular-season championship for the first time since 2013 and also captured the first-ever Super Region 4 championship. The NCAA playoff format changed this year with the formation of four "Super Regions" of 10 teams each. The Golden Eagles' last captured a West Region title in 2014.

The 19-1-3 overall record resulted in the highest winning percentage in program history (.891) and the one loss is also a program record for a single season.

The national players of the year will be honored at the United Soccer Coaches All-America Ceremony and Reception in January in Baltimore.