Six DS Roadrunners named to men’s soccer All-american squads

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) recently announced the 2020 NAIA Men’s Soccer All-america teams, while Luka Gluscevic of Missouri Valley was named the 2020 NAIA Player of the Year.

The NAIA All-america committee consists of the NAIA-MEN’S Soccer Coaches Association Executive Committee, the National Championship Games Committee and four men’s soccer coaches. Each team – first, second and third – consists of 11 members and the honorable mention selections.

Gluscevic, the midfielder from Belgrade, Serbia, scored three game-winning goals this season. The senior ranked third in total assists with 13, averaging 0.650 assists per game. In his four-year career as a Viking, he totaled 34 assists, 14 goals, and 62 points. The senior’s final game came at the 2020 Men’s Soccer National Championship where he helped his team take home their firstever red banner.

For Dalton State, SSAC Player of the Year Justin Riescher led six Roadrunners named to the squad. Riescher was named to the first team after amassing 19 goals, two assists and 40 total points in 14 games played. On top of Player of the Year honors, Riescher was named SSAC Offensive Player of the Year and earned the conference’s Golden Boot award.

Netminder and SSAC Golden Gloves award winner Aaron Fraire made the third team after a season in which he recorded a 6-1-1 record with four shutouts, 23 saves and a .930 goals-against average. Joining him on the third team was SSAC Defensive Player of the Year Zachary Perry. Perry notched four goals and three assists from the back line while helping the Birds hold eight opponents scoreless and allowing just 12 goals.

Named to the honorable mention squad were Fredrik Ackander, Santiago Moore and Noah Cicoria. Moore makes the honorable mention team for the second time with the other award coming in 2017. Ackander, Cicoria and Moore were first team ALL-SSAC selections as well.

Overall, Missouri Valley and Central Methodist (Mo.) led all teams at the top with four honorees on the top three teams. Central Methodist and Oklahoma Wesleyan led all institutions with two first team selections.