QUINCY, Ill. - Four Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer student-athletes were recognized with Division II Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) All-Midwest Region honors for the 2016 sesaon. The D2 CCA all-region teams are nominated and selected by the region's sports information directors.
Saginaw Valley junior forward Matt Wilson, sophomore midfielder Andrew Dalou and senior defender Tyler Stephens were all named to the First Team All-Midwest Region Team while senior midfielder Troy Watson was selected to the D2 CCA all-region second team.
Wilson completed his junior season at the Cardinals' leading goal scorer, finishing with 15. The junior forward ranked tops in several GLIAC statistics, placing first in points (41), assists (11), and had six game-winning goals (ranks 2nd in GLIAC). He tied for third in the league with 56 shots. Wilson now sits fourth in program history with 21 career goals in just his second season for the Cardinals. He earned All-GLIAC First Team honors for his solid performance in 2016.
Dalou earned Midwest All-Region honors following a strong 2016 sesaon where he finished second in team scoring with six goals and seven assists. He ranked fifth in the GLIAC with 19 points as well and provided consistent offense for the Cardinals, who averaged 16.0 shots per game as a team. The sophomore midfielder was awarded with All-GLIAC First Team honors this sesaon.
Stephens appeared in all 21 matches for Saginaw Valley in 2016, starting on a strong defensive line that allowed 25 goals against and posted six shutouts this season. He finished his senior season with a goal and two assists and completed his time as a Cardinal with two goals and five assists. He was recognized as the 2016 GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to the All-GLIAC First Team as a defender.
Watson compiled three goals and three assists in his senior season at Saginaw Valley. He ranked second on the team in shots (34) and delivered two game-winning goals as a midfielder. He was selected as a First Team All-GLIAC midfielder for the second time of his career.
Wilson, Dalou and Stephens, all earning first team honors, will now be placed on the national ballot for All-America consideration. The All-America teams will be released Wednesday, November 30.
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