Dec. 21, 2007

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Soccer America recognized four Wake Forest men's soccer athletes for outstanding performances during the 2007 season. Senior Pat Phelan and junior Sam Cronin picked up First Team MVP honors, while freshman Ike Opara and Corben Bone were named to the First Team All-Freshman squad.

Bone was also tabbed the magazine's Freshman of the Year, the second top rookie honor for the Dallas, Texas native, who was named the ACC's Freshman of the Year at the conclusion of conference season.

Bone netted the first goal of the season for the Demon Deacons in the opener against No. 21 Old Dominion on August 31. The freshman midfielder picked up 17 points through his first 11 games, including the game-winning goal in the team's home opener at the Deacon's Spry Stadium against No. 16 Akron on September 7.

Ike Opara, the youngest member of the Wake Forest backline, earned a spot beside Bone on the First Team All-Freshman squad. The Durham, N.C. native, had 23 starts through 26 games, the most starts of any rookie on the Wake Forest squad. Opara was a key player in Wake's 15 shutout performance, topping last year's record of 13.

Pat Phelan, one of three Wake Forest seniors invited to the MLS player combine, was named to Soccer America's First Team MVP list. Phelan, who hails from Enfield, Conn., started all games this season for the Demon Deacons, making a smooth mid-season transition from defender to midfielder. In just his second game playing in the middle at the collegiate level, Phelan picked up his first career goals against Appalachian State on October 9.

Sam Cronin also was picked as a 2007 First Team MVP. Cronin, a Winston-Salem native, was named an NSCAA All-American, All-ACC First Team member and ACC All-Tournament Team member for his clutch efforts in 2007, including back-to-back goals against Final Four opponent Virginia Tech during regular season play.

For the complete Soccer America awards list, please visit SoccerAmerica.com.

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