Spartans Named Men’s Soccer All-Region

AURORA, Ill. December 9, 2005 - The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) named its 2005 Men’s Soccer All-Region teams. The Aurora University Spartan men’s soccer team placed two players on the NSCAA North Central All-Region team.

Spartan junior midfielder Brad Johns (Aurora, IL/West Aurora HS) was named Second Team All-North Central region. Johns was previously named Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC) Co-Player of the Year and NIIC All-Conference.

"Brad was really a dominant player for us, and it is impressive to be recognized when playing a defensive midfield role. Usually the most notoriety goes to the forwards, sweepers and goalkeepers. He really allows other players to shine because he does the hard work at the back,” Aurora University Head Men’s Soccer Coach Pete Watkins said. “He will be a key leader for us next year going into a new conference and with an extremely competitive non-league schedule."

Johns finished his first season as a Spartan with six goals, good for second best on the squad, one assist and 13 points. He also chipped in three game-winning goals from his defensive midfield position.

Joining Johns as an NSCAA Men’s Soccer All-Region selection was freshman forward Chase Corricelli (Peoria, IL/Peoria-Notre Dame HS). Corricelli was named Third-Team All-North Central region, as well as being an NIIC All-Conference selection in his first year at AU.

"You couldn't ask for a better freshman season than Chase gave us; he was a known quantity in our region, and was marked very tightly, but still found a way to score,” Watkins said. “Most importantly, he scored the big goals in the big games, not a hat trick when we were winning 5-0. With work in the off-season, he could be even better next fall."

On the year, Corricelli had a team-leading 22 points and 11 goals, while knocking in three game-winning goals. The Aurora University men’s soccer team concluded the 2005 season with a 16-4-1 overall record.

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