The Gustavus Adolphus College men’s soccer team had four players selected to the 2004 National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Division III All-West Region Team. Senior defender Joe Hartwell (Apple Valley, Minn.) and junior midfielder Bobby Kroog (Bloomington, Minn.) were named to the first team, while junior midfielder Jonathan Astry (Eden Prairie, Minn.) and senior goalkeeper Andrew Moulton (St. Peter, Minn.) were named to the third team.
Joe Hartwell, a third team NSCAA All-West Region selection in 2003, has been named to the first team All-West Region this season. The senior helped the Gusties to one of the finest seasons in school history as he anchored a defense that allowed just four goals in 23 games. The 2004 co-captain played every minute of every game recording five goals and two assists for 12 points from his central defender position. Along with the all-region selection, Hartwell was also received the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Most Valuable Player award, MIAC all-conference honors for the third consecutive season and was voted the team’s most valuable player.
Bobby Kroog, a NSCAA first team all-region and second team All-America selection in 2003, makes his second consecutive appearance on the NSCAA All-West Region first team. The junior directed a midfield to an outstanding season. Kroog, a three-time letterwinner for Gustavus, tallied four goals and three assists for 11 points. In addition to the NSCAA All-West Region selection Kroog was named to the MIAC all-conference team for the second consecutive year.
Jonathan Astry makes his first appearance on the NSCAA/adidas All-West Region team. Astry was named third team all-region after completing a banner year for the Gusties. The junior played an integral part of the Gustie offense that scored 46 goals and a defense that allowed just four goals in 23 games. As a central midfielder, the junior covered an enormous amount of space and was a catalyst in the Gustie offense. His incredible fitness, ability to anticipate the opponent’s attack and a relentless desire to win the ball, helped the Gusties stifle their opponents attack in the midfield. In addition to the all-region award, Astry was also named to the MIAC all-conference team for the first time.
Andrew Moulton was named to the third team NSCAA/adidas All-West Region team. The goalkeeper played a vital role on a team that allowed just four goals and shutout 19 opponents in 23 games to lead NCAA Division III in team goals against average (0.17) and team shutout percentage (0.83). The senior compiled a record of 12-1-3 in the nets for Gustavus. He played in 17 matches, made 52 saves, allowed just three goals and shutout 13 opponents in the Gusties’ most successful season in school history. The goalkeeper holds school records in lowest goals against average in a season (0.175) and most shutouts in a single season (13). Moulton, the 2003 NCAA Division III men’s soccer individual statistical champion in goals against average, repeated this achievement by recording a 0.175 goals against average this season. In addition to the all-region honor, Moulton was also named to the honorable mention MIAC team.
The 2004 Gustavus Adolphus College Men’s Soccer team will be remembered for the most successful season in school history. The Gusties claimed a share of the MIAC regular season title, won their second MIAC tournament title and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. The Gusties wrapped up the season with a record of 18-2-3, setting a school record for most wins in a season with 18 and most shutouts in a season with 19.