Northwestern University Athletics
Blades Caps Career With Second All-America Selection
12/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Dec. 12, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern senior defender Mark Blades (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Ignatius) wrapped up a stellar career by being named the first two-time All-American in school history thanks to his selection to the second team as picked by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
A third-team honoree a year ago, Blades was a member of NU's senior class which became the first in school history to reach the NCAA tournament all four years and leaves as the winningest class all-time at Northwestern.
"This really puts an exclamation mark on what has already been an outstanding career for Mark," Northwestern head coach Tim Lenahan said. "To be the first two-time All-American in Northwestern history and a two-year captain of the most successful class in Northwestern history speaks volumes about his drive, determination and toughness. He started a school-record 85 games for us and brought intensity, great work ethic and unrelenting desire to win for each and every game. He has a great career still ahead of him and could be a great left-back at the professional level."
Blades helped guide Northwestern to an 11-5-4 record and a spot in the NCAA tournament third round this season. The Wildcats twice reached the NCAA quarterfinal round during his career, doing so in 2006 and again in 2008.
His efforts helped NU post a combined 20 shutouts the last two seasons, including a school-record 13 in 2008. Blades was a also a major contributor on the offensive end, particularly on restarts. After tallying three goals as a junior, he ranked second on the team this season with four assists.
A preseason selection to the Hermann Trophy Watch List, Blades was a three-time All-Big Ten pick, including a unanimous choice to the first team in 2009. He was also named this season's Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year.
