BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK---The St. Francis College men’s soccer team has placed three student-athletes on the NSCAA/Adidas North Atlantic Region First, Second and Third Teams, the organization announced.
The trio is comprised of senior midfielder Semso Nikocevic, who was selected to the All-North Atlantic Region First team. Senior defenseman Javier Gonzalez was named to the All-North Atlantic Region Second Team while defenseman Anthony Matos was named to the organization's Third Team squad.
"I am truly proud of Sammy, Javier and Anthony on their recognition," said head coach Tom Giovatto. "The hard work, determination and tenacity that each person has put into this program has been rewarded through this acknowledgment.”
Nikocevic enjoyed his final season at St. Francis by putting up career numbers in 2009. In 17 games played this season, the Brooklyn, New York native tallied five goals, four assists and 14 points en route to his third consecutive All-Northeast Conference First Team selection. Nikocevic ended his Terrier career with 10 goals, 12 assists and 32 points.
A constant staple in the Terriers defense, Gonzalez has helped transform the Terriers into contenders for a Northeast Conference championship with his ability to stop opposing offense’s momentum when deep in the Terrier zone. This season, the native of Caracas, Venezuela was selected to participate on behalf of his country as they took on Mexico and Costa Rica in International Friendly competition in late June of this year.
Matos, a two-time All-Northeast Conference selection, has found an innovated way to find seams in the opposition’s defense. In 2008, the native of Wantagh, New York, recorded a career-high of four goals, two of which went for game-winners. For his career, Matos finishes with six goals, three assists and a total of 15 points.
This season, Giovatto and the Terriers made their first appearance in the Northeast Conference semi-finals since 2000 after posting a record of 10-6-2 while placing second in conference play with a 7-2-1 mark.