Courtesy NSCAA

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Six NESCAC Men's Soccer players have been selected by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as All-Americans, it was announced on Friday. Of the six, two individuals - Williams senior Conor Smith, the 2009 NESCAC Player of the Year, and Middlebury junior Harrison Watkins - were named to the All-America First Team. All six individuals were also recognized on the All-NESCAC First Team this past fall.

The Ephs’ captain, Smith finished fourth among his teammates in goals with seven through 19 games, but statistics don’t tell the whole story. The centerpiece of Williams’ defensive corps, Smith has shown great presence and provided great leadership for his club all over the pitch this season. His spirited play can be seen in how well he wins battles in the air and with his feet. His seven tallies and 14 points are a career-best, surpassing the five goals and one assist he accumulated during his sophomore season. The Ephs won the 2009 NESCAC Men's Soccer Championship, their sixth title overall, and reached the semifinals of the NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament.

Watkins emerged as Middlebury’s top goal scorer down the stretch, tallying four of his team-high five goals over the Panthers’ last four games. The junior also had the game-winning goal in each of Middlebury’s final three wins, as the Panthers reached the finals of the NESCAC Men’s Soccer Championship for the fourth year in a row.

On the All-America Second Team were three league players, senior Matt Lewis of Amherst, junior Peter Marlette of Trinity, and senior Woody Redpath of Wesleyan.

The 2006 NESCAC Rookie of the Year, Lewis recorded a personal-best five goals - two of which served as the game-winner - and 11 points while missing only one game this season.

Marlette had a career seasons while leading his teams in scoring, as he finished tied for fifth among NESCAC players in points per game with 1.20 over 15 outings. He netted seven goals (T-5th) and four assists.

A defensive center midfielder for a Cardinal team that boasted the league's best defense, Redpath performed admirably by winning balls, covering ground, and connecting passes. Redpath played in all 19 games, recording one assist.

Joining Redpath from Wesleyan as All-America was goalkeeper Adam Purdy - the only freshman player to earn All-America this year - with a spot on the Third Team. The backbone of the Cardinals defense, Purdy became the first rookie ever to earn All-NESCAC First Team recognition. At 12-2-5, Purdy played all but 34 minutes in net for Wesleyan this past fall and led the league in goals against average (0.50), save percentage (.886), and shutouts (10). He was also selected as the NESCAC Rookie of the Year.