The accolades keep rolling in for Gustavus Adolphus senior defender Justin Eglseder (Eden Prairie, Minn.). On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Eglseder took home another honor, earning a spot on the 2011 D3soccer.com Men’s All-America Team. Eglseder, who was named to the first team, is the only player in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to be named an All-American by D3soccer.com.
“This is fantastic news for Justin, and really could not be more deserved. Being an All-American is rare enough, but to be elected into the first team is the absolute icing on the cake,” said Head Coach Mike Middleton. “I’m really proud of him – so I can only imagine how his parents John and Jane feel. They have been so supportive of our program and are such good friends with all the other parents. I’m sure their phone is ringing off the hook with congratulations from everyone.”
The 2011 All-America teams were chosen by the D3soccer.com staff, Division III soccer coaches and sports information directors from a field of over 600 nominations. This is the second year in which D3soccer.com has named All-American teams.
Following the conclusion of the 2011 season, Eglseder earned a place on the All-Conference Team for the second time in his career and was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division III All-North Region Team.
“Justin is a top class player at the collegiate level who could have played for any team, in any division, and certainly has the ability to play beyond college,” Middleton remarked.
“He’s been an integral part of a nationally ranked defense that has been the most parsimonious in the conference for two consecutive years. Much of its success was due to the leadership of Justin. The award, and recognition could not be more deserved”
Eglseder, a native of Eden Prairie, Minn., earned the “Iron Man” award after starting in 73 matches and playing in all 74 over his collegiate career. In his tenure on the back line, Eglseder recorded 14 goals and six assists for 34 career points.
This season, Justin finished third on the team and ninth in the MIAC in overall scoring with eight goals and three assists for 19 points. Against league opponents, his five goals ranked third in the conference. Gustavus’ defensive unit ranked fourth in NCAA Division III in goals against average (0.46).
When asked about Eglseder’s character off the pitch, Middleton replied, “Justin is a wonderful lad. He is an absolute pleasure to be around. It must be noted that he is also pre-med, with really excellent grades, and aspires to be a surgeon. Justin is the epitome of the concept of a true student-athlete. He is a wonderful ambassador for Gustavus and our program.”