Adds to ODAC Top Rookie Honor

SALEM, Va. --- Sophomore defender Michael Stark (Newport News, VA) was named NSCAA All-American Third-Team announced this afternoon. He was named the first All-American for the men's soccer program at Roanoke since Donny Smith in 2005. He is the ninth player in the program to earn the distinction.

Stark, a product of Menchville High School, was a staple in the backfield for the Maroons all season. His field smarts and ability to win nearly every 50/50 ball made a big impact on the defense, which was nationally ranked all season long in goals against average and shutout percentage. His production led to 10 defensive shutouts, tied for third most in school-history. The First-Team All-ODAC and NSCAA All-South Region selection started in all 20 games this season.  He finished the year with a goal against Randolph-Macon in the ODAC Quarterfinals and an assist against Bridgewater in the regular-season finale. He had 16 shots, eight on goal for the season. His best day offensively came against the Yellow Jackets with four shots, three on goal.

The Maroons fell, 1-0 to Virginia Wesleyan in the ODAC Championship to finish 14-4-2 on the season. They won the regular season ODAC Title with an 8-1-1 mark, falling only to Randolph-Macon and tying regionally-ranked Lynchburg. The Maroons avenged their only conference loss to the Yellow Jackets, 4-0 in the ODAC Quarterfinals. They were nationally-ranked all season in shutout percentage and goals against average.

This release is courtesy of the Roanoke College sports information department.