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MEN'S SOCCER


December 11, 2008

Men's Soccer: Four Cadets Named All-New England By NSCAA

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Four members of the 2008 Norwich University men's soccer team earned All-New England honors from the NSCAA, it was announced this week. The four-man contingent was led by second-team selection Ryan Boyton.

Drew Dilley was named to the third team, while Jason Grupp and Kyle Przekaza were both selected to the fourth unit. All four of the honorees were instrumental in the Cadets' 2008 season, which included a second straight GNAC regular season title, a GNAC tournament crown and was capped by a victory in the NCAA Tournament.

Norwich authored an 18-3-1 record this past fall, including an unbeaten 8-0-1 mark against GNAC foes. It marks the second straight season that the Cadets have gone undefeated during their conference season. This year's senior class, which Boyton, Dilley, Grupp, and Przekaza are all a part of, helped forge one of the best four-year runs in school history, leading Norwich to a 59-18-3 record during that time. The Cadets have been unbelievable over the past two years in particular, putting together a two-year record of 37-6-2, while winning a pair of GNAC regular season titles and the GNAC tournament title this year. The team has piled up its share of postseason success as well, winning the ECAC championship last season, and advancing in the NCAA championship this year. 

"This is a great honor for these players, and very well deserved," said Norwich head coach Kyle Dezotell. "They have brought our program to its highest ever level, and I could not be more proud of them. This is also a great testament to the overall level of our program, in that we had the second most players of any team recognized as All-New England players. This is by far the most ever for a Norwich men's soccer team. I think the real reason behind so many of our players being rewarded is that for the first time ever I don't think that any of them ever thought about individual awards like this at any point during the season. They were entirely devoted to the team's goals rather than their own."

Boyton had arguably the most outstanding single season in Norwich and GNAC history this season, as the Dunedin, Fla., native led the league in goals (21), assists (18) and points (60). Boyton, who was an easy choice for GNAC "Player of the Year", had a knack for scoring big goals for the Cadets all season long.

"Ryan had an incredible year," commented Dezotell. "He finished the season ranked first in the NCAA in total points with 60, and in the Top 10 nationally in both goals and assists. I don't think there was a more dangerous forward in New England this season."

Dilley, who was a first team all-GNAC selection this year, was an offensive fireplug for the Cadets this year. The Lancaster, Pa., native ranked second on the team with 16 goals and 35 points. It was Dilley's hat trick that sparked Norwich to its 6-3 victory over Emerson in the GNAC quarterfinals, spurring the Cadets on their postseason run.

"Drew has been the most dedicated player to this program over the past four years," said Dezotell. "I feel this award is a culmination and a reward for four great years of commitment and energy that he put into the program."

Grupp, who was a fourth-team All-New England selection last season as a junior, repeats this year. A steady defender, with a penchant for making the smart play, Grupp played a big role in the Norwich defense posting 10 shutouts in 2008. A native of Highland Mills, N.Y., will be sorely missed in the NU backfield next season.

"Jason is a repeat All-New England selection, which is a great testament to his consistency," added Dezotell. "He has proven himself over the past four years as being one of the best defenders to ever play at Norwich."

Przekaza played alongside Grupp along the back line this year. His ability to clear the ball out of the Norwich end, and his overall defensive play, was a big reason why Norwich held its opponents to 0.88 goals per game this year. The Northfield, Vt., product played an offensive role as well, scoring two goals and adding two assists. He used his 6-2 frame to get up in the air and head the ball on Norwich corner kicks throughout the season.

"This is a great selection for Kyle," stated Dezotell. "He has often been in the shadow of Grupp, and I think that he really stepped up this year.  I felt that he was our best player in both the GNAC and NCAA tournaments."