Nov. 11, 2009
Newport News, Va. -
The Atlantic 10 announced their 2009 Men's Soccer All-Conference Teams and major awards today with three Fordham Rams earning accolades. Sophomore midfielder Tim Richardson (North Palmerston, New Zealand/North Palmerston) earned the top prize as he was selected as the Atlantic 10's Midfielder of the Year, as well as First Team All-Conference. Joining Richardson on the First Team was sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Meara (Yonkers, N.Y./Fordham Prep), while senior defender Mike McTigue (Tuckahoe, N.Y./Fordham Prep) was named Honorable Mention All-Atlantic 10.
Richardson had a superb sophomore campaign, leading the Rams in goals (6), points (14), and game-winning goals (3), which were all career-highs. Most of that damage came in league play with four goals, nine points, and two game-winning goals against Atlantic 10 competition. Richardson is the second Fordham Ram to receive a major men's soccer award from the Atlantic 10, joining former Fordham standout John Wolyniec ('98), who was named the 1998 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year.
Meara, a preseason All-Conference selection at the start of the season, was an iron man in net for Fordham. He played all but nine minutes this season (1677:45), posted a 9-6-3 record, a 1.01 goals against average, and 7.5 shutouts. In league play, Meara led the Rams to a 6-1-2 mark, posting a 0.85 goals against average, 4.5 shutouts, and a better than .800 save percentage.
Along with Meara, McTigue, a 2009 tri-captain, was a big part of a Fordham defense that allowed one goal or less in 12 games this season, which included eight shutouts. He also chipped in offensively recording a pair of assists in 18 games played.
Richardson, Meara, McTigue, and the rest of the Rams (9-6-3, 6-1-2 A10) will now turn their attention to the 2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Championship, which begins on Thursday, November 12th in Kingston, Rhode Island. Fordham is the third seed at the tournament, and will meet sixth seeded St. Bonaventure at 5:00 PM.
