Spartans receive NSCAA Regional accolades

Courtesy of Aurora University, Sports Information Department
AURORA, Ill. -- Following a successful 2006 season that included the AU Men's soccer program's first NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championships appearance in the program's history as a NCAA institution and a 12-5-4 record and 8-1 with a second-place finish in the NAC, the AU men's soccer program has gathered some regional awards to go with its on field success.

Senior defender Brad Johns (Aurora, IL/West Aurora H.S.), senior midfielder and captain Alex DeGurian (Naperville, IL/Naperville North H.S.) and sophomore forward Chase Corricelli (Peoria, IL/Notre Dame H.S.) were named to National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Central Region teams. Both Johns and DeGurian were selected to the D3kicks.com All-Region Team as well.

Johns, a First-Team selection, while DeGurian and Corricelli were both selected as Second-Team members, anchored an AU team that tallied 47 goals in 21 games and also shut out eight opponents. Both players capped off a fantastic collegiate career, being named Northern Athletics Conference First-Team All-Conference.

The Spartans were led by the trio on their journey to the first NCAA appearance for the AU Men's Soccer program and a 12-5-4 final record. Corricelli led the Spartan offense with 12 goals, two assists and three game-winning goals, while DeGurian chipped in eight goals, two assists and one game-winning goal. Johns, the leader of the defense, added seven goals, one assist with two goals coming as game winners.