LMU’s Pinto Named NSCAA All-American, 12 SAC Players Earn All-Region Honors
The National Soccer Coaches Association of America released its Division II men’s soccer postseason awards this week, which included Lincoln Memorial junior Mario Pinto being named a second-team All-American and a total of 12 SAC players earning All-Southeast Region selections.
KANSAS CITY – The National Soccer Coaches Association of America released its Division II men's soccer postseason awards this week, which included Lincoln Memorial junior Mario Pinto being named a second-team All-American and a total of 12 SAC players earning All-Southeast Region selections.
Pinto, who had already been named the SAC and Daktronics Southeast Region Player of the Year last month, scored 21 goals in 2012, which were the third-most in the nation. He also ranked third in Division II with 47 points.
Pinto recorded four hat tricks and seven game-winners this season to go along with five assists. The forward led LMU to a 13-4-1 overall record and a spot in the Food Lion SAC Soccer Championship title game.
Pinto was also named to the NSCAA All-Southeast Region Team, joining 11 other players from the SAC. In addition to Pinto, Wingate defender Victor Tozelli, Mars Hill midfielder Alex Mullen and Mars Hill forward Shadi Harb were named to the All-Region First Team.
Mullen finished third in the SAC in goals with 10, Harb tied for fourth in goals with eight, and Tozelli anchored a Wingate defense that carried the Bulldogs to within one victory of the NCAA Soccer Championship National Semifinals.
Wingate defender Corey McCollum, Anderson midfielder Shu Ogawa and Mars Hill forward Stephen Bivens earned second-team All-Region selections, while AU keeper Lukas Hesse, MHC keeper Zac Scott, Carson-Newman defender Trystan Dafydd, LMU defender Callum Home and Mars Hill forward Felipe Ferraro were each named to the Third Team.