Railsplitter Men's Soccer Give Awards At Athletics Banquet
April 14, 2011
HARROGATE, TN - On Wednesday evening, Lincoln Memorial University Head Soccer Coach Helio D'Anna presented four LMU men's soccer team members with post season awards for their efforts during the 2010 fall soccer season. The awards were all part of the University's annual athletics banquet held each year near the end of the athletics season.
Named 2010-11 Team MVP was senior defensive-midfielder Aaron McKenna. A 5'9" senior from Birmingham, England, McKenna has been a four-year starter for the Railsplitters and has served as captain during two of his season of play. Last fall, McKenna helped the Railsplitters achieve a 10-5-1 season record and earn a spot in the South Atlantic Conference Tournament semifinals. From his defensive-midfield position, McKenna was also able to contribute to the offensive effort dishing out four assists. His passing, defensive effort and leadership have been essential to the men's soccer team's success not only this season, but throughout his four years at LMU.
This year's Most Improved award went to Railsplitter sophomore midfielder Chris Nash of Cuffley, England. Nash elivated his game in only his sophomore season to lead the Railsplitters in scoing with five goals this season. Among his five scores this season, two were game-winning-goals and elivated the Railsplitters to finish the regular season in a tie for third place in the South Atlantic Conference.
No secret to LMU soccer fans, the Best Defensive Player award went to LMU senior defender Lucas Pereira. A native of Monte Siao, Brazil, Pereira stepped into the sweeper position two years ago for former LMU All-American Felipe Nogueira and the Railsplitters never missed a beat. With help from Pereira, the Railsplitters were able to record eight shutouts this season in addition to their 10-5-1 season finish.
The Railsplitter soccer Newcomer of the Year award went to freshman defender Nicholas Muth. A product of Knoxville, Tennessee's Farragut High School. Muth started in all 16 matches this year for the Railsplitters and tallied one assist from his defensive position.
Although the 2010 Railsplitters lost five of it's members to graduation, 20 returnees are expected for the fall 2011 season. The LMU men begin preseason conditioning in early August.
