NEW ORLEANS – Appalachian State University men's soccer had six student-athletes named to Sun Belt all-conference teams, the league announced on Thursday.
"Congrats to these guys. They work very hard in the offseason and throughout the year to put themselves in positions to win these awards," said head coach Matt Nelson. "I'm proud of these guys and their teammates for putting them in position to be honored with this recognition."
Senior forward Stanley Broaden, junior midfielder Alex Herbst and junior defender Alex Beranger earned first-team recognition. A trio of Mountaineer sophmores are represented on the second-team with striker Stephen Chapman, midfielder Donovan Japp and defender Ben Steen.
Broaden led the conference in shots (46), points (14), points per game (0.88), goals (7), goals per game (0.44) and game-winning goals (4). The Wilmington, N.C. native is also ranked 19th nationally in game-winning goals and 70th in total goals.
He scored game-winners against Presbyterian, Marshall, USC Upstate and Jacksonville. The senior also earned a Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week honor for the week of Sept. 16.
Herbst also earned first-team honors and led the league in assists (8) and assists per game (0.50), which ranks him 13th and ninth in the nation, respectively. Herbst played a pivatal role in the Mountaineer midfield in 2014 and proved to be the number one table-setter for goals scored.
Beranger was the final first-team selection for App State. The junior transfer provided two goals from the backline this season, while also playing stellar defense for the Mountaineers. Beranger was also awarded Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 16.
On the all-conference second-team, Chapman has been a huge asset in his second campaign wearing the Black and Gold. The sophomore tallied two goals on 27 shots in 2014 – both goals came in a 3-2 win at Longwood, including the game-winner.
Chapman was also rewarded with Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 4.
Another table-setter in the midfield, Japp collected one goal and four assists this season. The Oakridge, N.C. native finished second in the conference in assists and assists per game behind Herbst. The sophomore scored his lone goal in a 2-2 draw at Howard. He tallied both assists in a 2-1 win over Jacksonville. Japp was named Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 14.
Finally, one of the staples of the App State defense was recognized for his play this season. Steen was a huge asset for Coach Nelson and was one of the more reliable defenders on the pitch. The Mooresville, N.C. native made it easier on both Paul West and Holland Hammond in goal.
The Mountaineers will begin thier quest for a Sun Belt title on Thursday, Nov. 13 when they challenge NJIT. Kick off is slated for 6:30 p.m. with both live stats and video are available at appstatesports.com.
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