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Oakdale, NY- 6 members of the Men's Soccer team have been named to the 2009 ECAC All-Star Team, with Juan Vargas earning ECAC Defender of the Year honors as well.
Vargas, a senior defender for the Golden Lions, helped Dowling to a 13-5-1 record this year. As a member of the 2008 National Finalists team, he would once again cause havoc for his opponents in the backfield this season, helping his team record 7 shutouts on the season while leading them to the Conference Championship Final. For his effort, Vargas would be named the ECC Defensive Player of the Year while making the All-Conference First Team.
Moussa Keita, a senior midfielder, would go on to earn Second Team honors this year despite a season shortened by injury. This season, Keita would rank in the ECC top 10 for Goals Per Game (.45) and Points Per Game (1.09) despite missing 9 games while making the ECC All-Conference First Team. He also currently ranks third on the team with 5 goals. Last season, Keita would be named to the All-American Third Team, All-Conference First Team, and Super Region 4 All-Tournament Team.
Chris Kucera, an ECAC Second Team All-Star, would become the starting goalkeeper after recording a shutout against Caldwell College on September 16th. In that time, he has recorded 5 more shutouts while leading the ECC in Goals Against Average (.67), Save Percentage (.826), and shutouts (6). For his time in the net, Kucera would earn ECC Goalkeeper of the Year honors and an All-Conference First Team nod. This year,
Chris has also earned ECC Goalkeeper of the Week honors 3 separate times while being named the College Player of the Month by Soccer Long Island Magazine. He currently boasts a 11-2-1 record while maintaining a perfect record at Golden Lions field.
Carl Rydin,
a senior midfielder, finishes out his career with ECAC Second Team honors after recording a goal and assist during the 2009 season. A force at midfield for 4 years, Carl has earned numerous accolades, including All-American Third Team honors in 2007 as well as being named to the Final Four All-Tournament team and Super Region 4 All-Tournament team last year. Rydin would also be named to the ECC All-Conference First Team this year.
Steven Schneider,
a senior forward, had a breakout season this year for the Golden Lions as he went on to earn ECC First Team honors, making the ECAC Second Team as well. This season, Steven would record 8 goals for Dowling, good for second on the team, while also tallying 2 assists. Schneider would get the game winner in a thrilling 1-0 2OT victory over C.W. Post earlier in the season to help maintain a perfect record at home.
Lamine Traore,
a starting forward for the Golden Lions, has been named to the ECAC Second Team after having another successful season for Dowling. Also earning ECC All-Conference First Team honors, Lamine would score 11 goals for Dowling this year as well as 5 assists, leading his team to a 13-5-1 record while going undeafeated at home. Lamine will be most remembered for his part in leading the Golden Lions to their second National Championship Final during a 2008 season that saw him lead the nation in goals with 26 while being named a Third Team All-American among numerous other awards and recognitions.