CHICAGO – The Maryland men's soccer team placed five players on the All-Big Ten Conference team in its first season in the league, the conference office announced Wednesday evening.
Seniors Dan Metzger and Alex Shinsky, junior Mael Corboz, and sophomore Chris Odoi-Atsem all snagged first team honors while junior Mikey Ambrose was tabbed to the second team. Rookie George Campbell was named to the All-Freshman Team.
Metzger, who earned first team All-ACC honors a year ago, played nearly 1800 minutes as a captain for the Terps in 2014. One of the top defensive midfielders in the nation, the Holmdel, N.J., native, scored three goals and added two assists in his final season in College Park.
Shinsky is in the process of finishing his Terrapin career in style after boasting his first all-conference accolade. After enduring a host of injuries his first two collegiate seasons, the forward from York, Pa., has blossomed into a top scoring threat for the Terps as a senior, posting two goals and four assists.
Corboz has been solid for Maryland all-season long, registering a team-best nine goals in his first season after transferring from Rutgers. The Green Brook, N.J., native's 21 points are more than double any other Terrapin. The midfielder boasts four game-winning goals as well.
Odoi-Atsem has been the anchor for a stellar Maryland defense, helping the Terps to eight shutouts and a stout 0.89 goals against average in 2014. The Terps have surrendered a mere six goals in their current nine-game winning streak. The centerback from Mitchellville, Md., was also honored with the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Ambrose garnered all-conference honors for a second-straight season after being tabbed to the All-ACC second team a year ago. The defender from Frisco, Texas, played a vital role in a Maryland defense which has given up 17 goals through 19 games compared to 26 in 2013.
Campbell has come on late for the Terps. The forward from Baltimore has four goals this season including three in the last three matches.
2014 MEN'S SOCCER ALL-BIG TEN INDIVIDUAL HONORS
Coach of the Year: John Bluem, Ohio State
Offensive Player of the Year: Connor Maloney, Penn State
Midfielder of the Year: Jay Chapman, Michigan State
Defensive Player of the Year: Nikko Boxall, Northwestern
Goalkeeper of the Year: Tyler Miller, Northwestern
Freshman of the Year: Grant Lillard, Indiana
