Northwestern University Athletics
Eliason, Usinger Named to All-Tournament Team
11/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Nov. 17, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern sophomore forward Matt Eliason and senior midfielder/defender Brian Usinger were each named to the 2008 Big Ten Men's Soccer Touranment all-tournament team. The duo helped the Wildcats to an opening round double-overtime win over Penn State before bowing to top-seeded Michigan State in the semifinals.
Eliason scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season with under five minutes remaining to help force overtime in NU's victory over the Nittany Lions. He notched a match-high six shots in the contest, including four on net.
Usinger was aggressive in the defensive-mid, helping the Wildcats earn just their sixth all-time win in the Big Ten tournament while falling just short of an appearance in the championship game.
Northwestern is expected to earn an at-large berth in the upcoming NCAA tournament with the pairings being announced at 5 p.m. Monday.
Big Ten All-Tournament Team
Doug DeMartin, Sr., F, MSU
Avery Steinlage, So., GK, MSU
Rich Balchan, So., D/M, IU
Ofori Sarkodie, Jr., D, IU
Michael Holody, Sr., D, MICH
Patrick Sperry, Jr., GK, MICH
Brian Usinger, Sr., D, NU
Matt Eliason, So., F, NU
Byron Neal, Jr., GK, OSU
Mark Fetrow, Fr., D, PSU
Kenny Dix, Sr., M, WIS
Offensive Player of the Championship:
Doug DeMartin, Sr., F, Michigan State
Defensive Player of the Championship:
Avery Steinlage, So., GK, Michigan State
