National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American Teams Announced
12/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Junior midfielder Jay Chapman and senior midfielder Fatai Alashe were named All-Americans by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America on Friday, Dec. 12. Chapman becomes the first Spartan to receive First Team recognition since 1970, while Alashe joins the ranks as the 10th Spartan all-time to receive Second Team honors.
"I am really happy for Jay and Fatai," said head coach Damon Rensing. "Both players have put in an enormous effort both in season, off-season and summer. To see them rewarded for hard work is great to see."
With defender Kevin Cope receiving All-America honors in 2013, this is the first time since 1970 and 1971 that MSU has received consecutive All-America recognitions. This is also the first time since 1970 that two players were honored in the same year.
Chapman is a two-time All-Big Ten and NSCAA All-Region honoree. The Campbellford, Ontario, native has started all but one of his collegiate games. Chapman was previously named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and a 2014 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. He had five goals and five assists this season. Three out of his four assists this season were on game-winning goals.
"My staff and I have felt like Jay has been one of the best players in the country this year," Rensing said. "To see our thoughts echoed by the rest of the coaches throughout the country validates those beliefs."
"This has been one of my goals since starting with the program," said Chapman, "It's such a great honor to join the ranks of so many esteemed Spartans and athletes from across the country. I would like to thank all the coaches and teammates for helping me achieve one of my dreams."
Alashe is a two-time Big Ten All-Tournament team honoree. The Northville, Michigan, native has started 80 games as a Spartan, including every match in 2014. Alashe was recently named one of 55 athletes to participate in the MLS Combine. Alashe had two goals and one assist this season. He netted the final penalty kick against Washington in the Sweet 16 to allow MSU to advance to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.
"Over the past four years, Fatai has consistently been one of our best players," Rensing said. "He has done so much that doesn't go on the stat sheet that makes us and any soccer team good. It's awesome to see Fatai recognized for his play."
"It's an honor to win an award like this," said Alashe. "While it's an individual award, I think the credit goes to my coaches and teammates. I couldn't have achieved this without all 27 of the players on our team and all four coaches. I think it's a testament to the work that we do day in and day out."
Alashe and Chapman become the 20th and 21st individuals from Michigan State to receive All-America recognition. This is the first All-America recognition for both student-athletes.
"The individual recognition of these two young men, would not be possible without the team's success, effort, and numerous people who support our program," said Rensing.
The men's soccer team concluded its post-season run in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament with a record of 12-5-6 for 2014.
