Northwestern University Athletics
Hopson, Tomasino Earn Big Ten Honors
11/4/2016 10:36:00 AM | Men's Soccer
EVANSTON, Ill. — Freshman Mattias Tomasino has been named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and senior Jeffrey Hopson earned the Sportsmanship Award, the conference office announced Friday morning.
Tomasino made 12 starts and appeared in 16 games during his rookie campaign. The Miami, Florida, native scored the game-winning goal in Northwestern's overtime victory at Rutgers on Oct. 14.
"Mattias was a very nice surprise for us this season," said head coach Tim Lenahan. "He played center back at the club level, but did a great job for us anchoring the defensive center midfield."
Hopson has been a mainstay in the Wildcats' lineup the last four seasons, tallying 70 career appearances. The Chesterfield, Missouri, native started 56 consecutive games before coming off the bench in NU's regular-season finale against Marian (WI) on Nov. 1. During his career, Hopson has tallied five goals and six assists. His goal against Penn State on senior day (Oct. 30) proved to be the game-winner.
"Jeff is one of just a few players to play every game in his college career, which is a very difficult thing to do," said Lenahan. "He is one of the toughest players in the Big Ten, but plays within the sportsmanship expectations. He is what makes the Big Ten a unique and special conference. This is a well-earned honor."
No. 7 Northwestern will begin its postseason campaign on Sunday, Nov. 6, when it visits the second-seeded Indiana Hoosiers for a showdown in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at noon CT.
Tomasino made 12 starts and appeared in 16 games during his rookie campaign. The Miami, Florida, native scored the game-winning goal in Northwestern's overtime victory at Rutgers on Oct. 14.
"Mattias was a very nice surprise for us this season," said head coach Tim Lenahan. "He played center back at the club level, but did a great job for us anchoring the defensive center midfield."
Hopson has been a mainstay in the Wildcats' lineup the last four seasons, tallying 70 career appearances. The Chesterfield, Missouri, native started 56 consecutive games before coming off the bench in NU's regular-season finale against Marian (WI) on Nov. 1. During his career, Hopson has tallied five goals and six assists. His goal against Penn State on senior day (Oct. 30) proved to be the game-winner.
"Jeff is one of just a few players to play every game in his college career, which is a very difficult thing to do," said Lenahan. "He is one of the toughest players in the Big Ten, but plays within the sportsmanship expectations. He is what makes the Big Ten a unique and special conference. This is a well-earned honor."
No. 7 Northwestern will begin its postseason campaign on Sunday, Nov. 6, when it visits the second-seeded Indiana Hoosiers for a showdown in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at noon CT.
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