MEN'S SOCCER

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - After helping to produce one of the finest seasons in the history of the Norwich men's soccer program, two members of the team received individual recognition as Rob Harlow and Jason Grupp were each named to the NSCAA/Adidas all-region team this week.

The Cadets' leader in goals (18), assists (15) and points (51), Harlow authored one of the finest individual seasons in Norwich history. His outstanding play on the field earned him NSCAA/Adidas second-team laurels. The junior forward from West Springfield, Mass., who was named the GNAC "Player of the Year" and was also a first team all-conference selection, established the Norwich career goals record.

Grupp, who was named to the NSCAA/Adidas fourth team, was part of the Cadets' defense that posted 12 shutouts in 2007. In addition to being one of the team's top defenders, Grupp also showed flashes of offensive prowess, netting 11 points (five goals, one assist) on the season. The junior defenseman from Highland Mills, N.Y., was a first team all-GNAC performer as well.

Norwich head coach Kyle Dezotell was extremely proud of both Harlow and Grupp.

"Rob had a great year for us," said Dezotell. "He had one of the best years ever for a Norwich men's soccer player. In addition to his offensive production, which was truly spectacular, Rob has proven time and again that he is at his best in the big games. His two goals in the ECAC Final were top-class and he really proved that day that he is absolutely one of the top players in the Region.

"Jason was the lynchpin of our defensive unit this fall," added Dezotell. "He is such a ‘gamer'.  Technically, he may be our best overall player, and he also reads the game very well. Jason really stepped his game up another level this year and he was a big reason why we were so successful this season."

Norwich went 19-3-1 during the season and won the GNAC regular season title on the strength of a 9-0-1 league mark. The Cadets, who were upset by Johnson & Wales in the GNAC conference championship game, went on to capture the program's first ECAC title.