Men's Soccer | November 12, 2014

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va.- Junior forward Joe Farrell was named Atlantic 10 Second Team All-Conference while sophomore Matt Robinson and senior Tom Baker earned spots on the All-Academic team, the league office announced Wednesday.

"We're very proud of these guys, it's a huge honor to get recognition in such a strong conference," said assistant coach Bob Wilkinson. "They work hard in everything they do, and it really shows."

Farrell paces the Explorers in goals (6), assists (4), and points (16) this season, and ranks in the top ten in the Atlantic 10 in all three categories.

The Blue Bell, Pa. native started 17 games for the Blue and Gold this season, and scored game-winning goals in 1-0 wins over Saint Joseph's and Bucknell. Farrell also assisted game-winning goals in victories over Stetson and Manhattan.

"Joey's been a competitor and a great leader for us," said Wilkinson. "He's extremely involved in everything that we do offensively." 

Robinson also made 17 starts for the Explorers, tallying 10 points on four goals and two assists on the year. The Lansdale, Pa. native scored three game-winning goals this season, including the golden goal in the 94^th minute of a win over LIU Brooklyn on October 4.

The North Penn High School product also assisted Farrell's game-winner against Saint Joseph's and the game-winner against St. Bonaventure. Robinson maintains a 3.84 GPA as an Accounting major.

"Matt is the perfect student-athlete, he's a great student and a great soccer player," said Wilkinson. "It's great to see him get this award as a sophomore." 

Baker, who carries a 3.88 GPA as an Accounting major, has appeared in 10 games this season for the Explorers. The Jamison, Pa. native assisted the game-winner in the 1-0 win over Bucknell on September 23.

"Tom has been a huge part of our program these last four years," added Wilkinson. "He's super competitive on the field, and  also an excellent student."

Saint Louis' Anthony Manning was named the Atlantic 10 Men's Conference Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, while his teammates Robert Kristo and David Graydon were named Offensive Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year, respectively. Rhode Island's Nils Leifhelm was tabbed as Rookie of the Year, while Rhody's Gareth Elliott was named Coach of the Year.

The A-10 Championship kicks off for La Salle Thursday, Nov. 13 when the No. 7 Explorers and No. 2 Saint Louis square off at 5 p.m. The match can be seen live on the A-10 Network on Atlantic 10.com and on the A-10 mobile apps at no charge.