Dec. 13, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis men's soccer team receives four selections to the NSCAA All-Midwest Region team, announced today. Three seniors and one junior were honored this year, the most in the programs history. The men's team has been ranked for the fourth consecutive year in the Soccer America Top 25, while receiving votes in the NSCAA and College Soccer Times polls.

Junior defender Michael Coburn and senior forward Kevin Walsh were named to the second team. Coburn was voted as the men's soccer most valuable player by his teammates this season. He had two goals and three assists on the season, leading a backfield that kept teams to a .077 shot percentage and a .385 shot on goal percentage.

"Michael was named the players' player of the year. He was voted by the players and the coaches as our choice of player of the season," said head coach Richie Grant. "It's not a surprise to me that a few of the coaches that we played against recognized his ability too. He was a big addition to our team, after sitting out last year due to injury, he really strengthened us at the back and I think that's what allowed us to be so organized and I think he was a big part of that."

Walsh ended his Memphis soccer career with six goals and two assists this season bringing his total to 16 goals and nine assists as a Tiger. He is a two-time honoree having been named to the second team in 2006.

"Kevin's inclusion is two years in a row. He has been at Memphis for two seasons and I think that is well deserved for his attack and play," said Grant. "One of his better games was during the conference tournament and it was great to see him finish the season playing so well."

Senior midfielder Adam Montgomery and senior forward Jared Britcher were named to the third team. Montgomery had one goal on the season, but was a fierce figure in the midfield who kept control of the game. He started every single game this season for the Tigers.

"Adam has been one of our most consistent players in terms that he has played so many games over the past four years, never injured," added Grant. "It was great for him to be recognized because he often does the work that people don't notice; he doesn't have a lot of statistics. What he does have is recognition from the coaches that he was one of our top players, so I am pleased."

Britcher led the team in points this season with five goals and five assists, including two gamewinners. He missed the last four games of the season due to an injury. Britcher led a forefront that had a goals scored average of 1.54 and a shot on goal percentage of .412.

"Britcher, I am delighted for. I think the best thing we can say about Britcher is how much we missed him while he was gone," added Grant. "It showed in our performance and in our results that he was a big loss to the team at the end of the season. While we had him we were very competitive and always had a chance. When Britcher plays you always have a chance to win the game."

Memphis will be returning one of these players in Michael Coburn as he is the only honoree who is not a senior. He will return as one of Memphis' strongest defenders.

"It's always great to have a returning player on that list. With Michael it's very important that were bringing back somebody that strong," said Grant. "This selection shows the value of some of our mature players. We have three seniors that are identified by other coaches as the top players in the region, so it is not a surprise at all."