Dobkins named All-American for Men's Soccer by NSCAA; joins four others as All-Region

ADA — The National Soccer Coaches Association of America has named senior midfielder Cory Dobkins 2011 NSCAA/Continental Tire Second Team All-America for Men's Soccer.

This is the men's soccer program's second overall All-American and first since 2000 when Matt Ellis was named Third Team All-America.

Dobkins, also a First Team All-Great Lakes Region selection, started in all of his 23 game appearances in 2011, recording 15 points on four goals and seven assists.

His efforts on the field this season not only garnered him First Team All-Conference laurels, but also the OAC Midfielder of the Year award.

Additionally, senior Abrim Mueller and juniors Mac Church, Cameron Johnson and Nate Bascom were named Second Team All-Great Lakes Region.

Mueller started in all 25 games at defender, anchoring a Polar Bear defense that kept opponents to just 19 goals this season. He also recorded 13 points on three goals and seven assists.

He was also named First Team All-OAC, adding to his Honorable Mention laurels he earned his first two collegiate seasons.

For the third consecutive year, Church started in every game in goal for Northern. The Second Team All-OAC pick posted a program-best 14 shutouts and an OAC-best 0.76 goals-against average. This is also Church's second time being named All-Region by NSCAA.

Johnson also started in every game this season at midfielder, finishing second on the team and third in the OAC with 33 points on 14 goals and five assists.

He also earned his third career All-OAC award this season as a First Team selection and is making a return appearance as NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region.

Bascom started in all 24 of his game appearances as a forward and led the team and the conference in points (41) and goals (16) and was tied for first in assists at nine.

In addition to being named First Team All-OAC, Bascom was also named OAC Forward of the Year and an Academic All-American by CoSIDA.

The Polar Bears finished the season as OAC Regular Season and Tournament champions, as well as made a return trip to the NCAA Tournament, including an appearance in the Sweet 16 game.