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Senior Clint Foster, senior Kyle Kempinski, junior Lane Gould and sophomore Casey Desiderio of the United States Merchant Marine Academy men’s soccer team were named to the All-Landmark Conference Team. The announcement was made by the conference office on Wednesday morning.

 

"Coach Fitzgerald, Coach Sutton and I are pleased to have a number of our players selected as top performers by our conference," said Head Coach Michael Smolens. "Having 5 players honored is a reflection of the excellent season we've had this year and the strong play of not only the players chosen, but of our other team members as well. It was truly a team effort this season to go 15-3 and qualify for the NCAA Championships."

 

Foster was named to the All-Landmark First Team as a forward. He finished the season with a total of 30 points to lead the conference. Foster finished first in assists with eight and second in goals with 11 and also had three game winning goals.

 

"Clint Foster was certainly one of the most dangerous players in the region this season," said Smolens. "We switched him to forward this season with the hope that he would be able to add a dynamic force to our attack and he did just that.  His relentless play put pressure on every defense and he created chances for both himself and his teammates.  He came through on a number of occasions for us with big goals and helped us win a number of tough matches."

 

Kempinski was voted to the All-Landmark First Team as a defender. On the season he recorded two goals and helped the Mariners defense that only gave up 15 goals on the season. The Mariners defense also registered seven shutouts on the season.

 

"Kyle Kempinski was the leader of a young defense which denied our opponents scoring opportunities and played a large part in our success this season," said Smolens. "With 2 sophmore backs, a freshman back and a freshman goalkeeper, Kyle's physical presence and leadership abilities were very important this season.  He adjusted well to this responsibility and was one of our most consistent and valuable players this season."

 

Gould was named to the All-Landmark Second Team as a midfielder. Gould ended the season second on the team in total points with 12. He recorded four goals and four assists on the year.

 

"Lane Gould is a tireless worker, who never backs down from a 50/50 ball," said Smolens. "His physical abilites help him win a number of air battles and he's very dangerous for us in the attack from the flank.  Lane has been a big part of our offensive attack this season and is one of the reasons for our team's success."

 

Desiderio was voted to the All-Landmark Second Team as a midfielder. Desiderio finished the season with 10 total points which was good for fourth on the team. His point break down was four assists and three goals.

 

"Casey Desiderio does a number of little things as a central midfielder that the average fan doesn't realize," said Smolens. "He has strong vision and a nice touch on the ball, which help us move the ball into the attack and helps create chances for himself and his teammates.  He also has the ability to finish goals himself and plays an important role in the strength of our team defense."

 

The Mariners are still in action as they travel to Swarthmore, PA to take on Swarthmore College in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. Game time is slated for 7:30 pm. During the season the Mariners tied a school record with a 14 game winning streak.