The National Soccer Coaches Association of America came out with its 2011 NCAA Division III All-Region teams on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Three Gustavus men’s soccer players earned a spot on the All-North Team, including Justin Eglseder (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Lucas Thompson (Sioux Falls, S.D.), and Brett Ylonen (Lake Elmo, Minn.)
Senior Justin Eglseder is one of three defenders to earn a spot on the first team. Egleseder, who earned All-Conference honors for the second time in his career at the conclusion of the season, ended up third on the team and ninth in the MIAC in overall scoring with eight goals – four of which were game-winners – and three assists for 19 points. The Eden Prairie product has been a key member of the Gustavus back line the past four seasons, playing in all 74 games over his collegiate career. Eglseder recorded 14 goals and six assists for 34 career points.
Junior Lucas Thompson takes home second team honors after another year of solid and consistent play in the Gustavus backfield. Thompson is a key member of a defensive unit that has led the league in fewest goals allowed and goals against average the past two seasons. This season, Gustavus ranked fourth in NCAA Division III in goals against average at 0.46. Thompson, who recorded three points (1G, 1A) this season, has played in all 55 games of his career. Thompson was named All-MIAC this season, picking up the honor for the second-consecutive year.
Goalkeeper Brett Ylonen is one of two freshmen to receive All-Region distinction, earning a spot on the third team. Ylonen, who was an All-MIAC Honorable Mention honoree, put his name on the map after an outstanding rookie season in which he led the MIAC in overall goals against average (0.58) and save percentage (.854). Ylonen registered a record of 12-2-3 while averaging 3.00 saves per match and keeping opponents off the scoreboard on nine occasions. His final GAA ranked 13th in NCAA Division III.
