WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. ? Five members of the Monmouth University men's soccer team have been named to the 2008 NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division I All-North Atlantic Region, the organization recently announced. The five Hawks to make the all-region team are the most in program history, eclipsing the previous record of four, set last year.
Three Hawks, senior defender Angelo Amato (Livingston, N.J./Montclair Kimberly Academy) and sophomore forwards Ryan Kinne (Naugatuck, Conn./Naugatuck) and Chase Barbieri (Hillsborough, N.J./Hillsborough), have been named to the all-region first team. Junior defender Daniel Bostock (Nottinghamshire, Eng./Virginia Intermont) was named to the all-region second team and sophomore goalkeeper Bryan Meredith (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood) was named to the all-region third team.
“Regional All-American is a tremendous honor for any player,” said Monmouth head coach Robert McCourt. “To have five players selected is a show of the balance and success our team had this past season.”
Amato helped anchor a defense that led the Northeast Conference, and ranked fifth in the nation, allowing 0.54 goals per match. The senior was named the Defensive Player of the Year this season after starting all 18 matches for the Hawks.
Kinne has enjoyed a breakout season in his sophomore campaign in West Long Branch. He came into his own this year as an all-around offensive weapon for the Hawks, leading the team with 26 points and six assists. He also tied Barbieri for the team lead with 10 goals.
Of Barbieri's 10 goals, six were game-winners, including his tally to give the Hawks a 2-1 double overtime win over CCSU and clinch the program's fourth consecutive NEC regular season title earlier this year. His 22 points were second on the squad this season.
Bostock helped serve as the backbone of one of the nation's best defenses this season. A First Team All-NEC selection this year, as well as an all-region honoree last season, the junior helped lead the stingiest defense in the conference.
Meredith ranked seventh in the country in save percentage, stopping 85.7% of the opposition's shots this season. The sophomore also ranked tenth in the nation in goals against average, allowing 0.54 tallies per match.
“This is the first time we have had so many players recognized,” added McCourt. “Four of the five players selected are underclassmen. Their commitment to excellence on and off the field has been rewarded. I am really proud of these young men.”
The MU men's soccer team went 12-3-4 this season, including a 6-1-2 mark in league play. The Hawks claimed their fourth straight NEC Regular Season Title this year.
