COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Senior defender Alex Crognale and sophomore forward Gordon Wild have been named 2016 NSCAA First Team All-Americans, announced Friday afternoon.
They become the 19th and 20th players in Maryland men's soccer history to be tabbed to the first team and represent the Terps first selection since Patrick Mullins won in 2012 and 2013. The last time two players earned first team distinction in the same season was in 2010 (Matt Kassel, Zac MacMath).
The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Big Ten selection, Crognale was named Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Defensive Player after guiding the Terps to a third straight Big Ten tourney title and fourth conference tournament championship overall. A defender by trade, Crognale finished the season with six goals and captained of a young Maryland squad that set a program-record for consecutive wins (15) and accomplished an unbeaten regular season (16-0-2). The Gahanna, Ohio, native also helped match a school-record with five consecutive shutouts (9/23-10/10).
The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Wild ranked in the top three nationally in both goals and points for the Big Ten tournament and regular season champion Terps. A First Team All-Big Ten pick, Wild also garnered Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Offensive Player honors in his first season in College Park after transferring from USC Upstate where he scored 16 goals as a rookie. His 17 goals in 2016 are the most for a Terrapin since two-time MAC Hermann Trophy winner Patrick Mullins.
Both players were also named semifinalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy, announced in late November.
Maryland NSCAA First Team All-Americans
Jim Belt, CF - 1947, '48
Giancarlo Brandoni, CHB - 1967, `68
Scott Buete, D - 2003
Alex Crognale, D - 2016
Leo Cullen, MF - 1997
Roy Eales, LHB - 1964
Maurice Edu, MF - 2006
Charley Ernst, OL - 1939, `40
Gary Furlong, F - 1986
Jason Garey, F - 2005
Omar Gonzalez, D - 2008
Sumed Ibrahim, M - 2002, `03
Mario Jelencovich,G - 1968
Matt Kassel, M - 2010
Zac MacMath, G - 2010
Fritz Maisel, G - 1940
Patrick Mullins, F - 2012, '13
Kenneth Ports, LFB - 1941
Rasim Tugberk, IL - 1969
Gordon Wild, F - 2016
