July 1, 2009

Philadelphia, Pa. - The Atlantic 10 announced the 2009 Men's Soccer Preseason All-Conference and All-Rookie Teams today, with sophomore Ryan Meara (Yonkers, N.Y./Fordham Prep) and freshman Michael Valencia (Hunting Station, N.Y./St. Anthony's) earning spots on the All-Conference and All-Rookie teams, respectively.

Meara, a 6-4 goalkeeper, had a standout rookie season in goal last year, posting a 9-8-2 record with 67 saves, while setting Fordham freshman records with a 0.97 goals-against-average and eight shutouts. For his stellar performances in net, Meara was named to the 2008 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team and NSCAA Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team, while being named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week for the week ending September 21st after posting two straight shutouts on eight total saves.

Meara's top-notched play does not quit when he is not in a Fordham uniform, as he earned a spot on the Premier Development League Team of the Week on the week of June 11, after helping the Long Island Rough Riders to a 2-0-0 record on the week with seven saves and one shutout.

Valencia earns his spot on the All-Rookie team after helping the St. Anthony's High School to a 20-0-1 record while claiming League and NSCHSAA State Championships last year. An All-League, All-Long Island and All-State athlete, Valencia was awarded the Gene Buonaiuto Sportsmanship Award.

Meara, Valencia and the rest of the Fordham men's soccer team will kick off the 2009 season Wednesday, September 2, with a home match against Hartwick at 7:00 PM.