Sept. 8, 2008
ÂANNAPOLIS, Md. -- On the heels of the Navy men's soccer team's title at the UMBC adidas Kickoff Classic, five Navy players were selected to the UMBC adidas Kickoff Classic all-tournament team announced today. In addition, junior Scott Robertson was selected as the tournament MVP.
The Mids won the team title via tiebreaker after both Navy and UMBC went 2-0-0 and had the same goal differential. The Mids, however, were awarded the team title by outscoring the Retrievers, 5-3, in the team's two games.
Leading Navy's defensive effort was Robertson. Robertson, a defenseman from Chester, Va., controlled the back for the Navy defense and was given the task of marking the opponent's top offensive player. Robinson held both team's leading scorers pointless during the tournament, helping the Mids win both games. On Friday, Navy topped Adelphi, 2-1, and on Sunday, the Mids defeated Lipscomb, 3-2.
In addition, four other players were honored for their efforts over the weekend.
Mark Garcia (Jr. / Tempe, Ariz.) earned all-tournament honors after tallying the Mids' first goal in the win over Lipscomb. Garcia's goal tied the game at 1-1 after the Bisons had taken an early 1-0 lead.
Chris Marino (Jr. / Longwood, Fla.) was named to the 11-player squad after leading the Mids with three points over the weekend. Marino scored the Mids' first goal in the win over Adelphi, then was credited with an assist on Navy's second goal against Lipscomb. Marino leads Navy in goals (2) and points (5), and ranks sixth in the Patriot League in points (5) and fourth in goals (2). Marino has scored points in three straight games (goals against Saint Mary's and Adelphi; assist vs. Lipscomb).
Mike Porcelli (So. / West Islip, N.Y.) was named to the squad after his first career goal resulted in Navy's second victory of the tournament. Porcelli scored in the 110th minute to give the Mids a 3-2 victory over Lipscomb, which gave Navy the team title.
Lastly, Sam Lepley (So. / Des Moines, Iowa) was named to the all-tournament team after a strong all-around effort in the midfield position. Lepley recorded two shots during the weekend and has been a driving force behind Navy's offensive resurgence. Lepley has become a strong two-way player for head coach Rich Miranda in his first year of action.
The Mids will return to action on Friday, when they travel to Atlantic 10 Conference member Saint Joseph's for a 7:30 pm kickoff.
# GO NAVY #
