ERIE, Pa - Penn State Behrend senior Evan Augustine (South Park, PA/South Park) was named 2016 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Defensive Player of the Year, While five other men's soccer players earned an All-Conference nod.
Augustine is a three-time All-Conference selection and earned a spot on the first team for the second straight year. His shutdown-defensive play helped the Lions hold a 0.50 goals-against average and a shutout percentage of 0.62 which ranks them ninth and seventh in the nation, respectively. Augustine has also contributed to the offense this season, adding two goals and an assist for five points. With Saturday's NCAA first round game, Augustine will be tied on the all-time list for most games played in a Behrend uniform (88).
Seniors Sean Gallagher (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park) and Augustine were joined by freshman goalkeeper Chris Ralph (Murrysville, PA/Franklin Regional) on the first team.
Gallagher, a first-time selection, has helped control the midfield for the Lions this season. His six assists leads the team and he is second in goals (7) and points (20). Gallagher has also converted four penalty kicks this year.
Ralph has put together a stellar rookie season in goal for Behrend. He posted a 15-1-3 record and collected nine shutouts. His 0.55 goals against average is top in the conference and 12th in the nation. He also holds conference-best save percentage (.831), wins (15), and goals allowed (10).
Anthony Crivelli (Cranberry Township, PA/Seneca Valley) is now a four-time All-Conference selection. He was named to the second team for the second time in his career. The senior forward led the Lions with 27 points and 11 goals this season. He has also added five helpers. Crivelli holds a team-high four game-winning goals including two in the AMCC playoffs. Earlier this season, he took sole possession of second place on the career points list and currently has 115.
Ryan Thorsen (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park) joined Crivelli on the second team for his first All-Conference honor. The senior defender helped Behrend tally 13 team shutouts this season including five in conference play. He has also added two assists this year.
Freshman midfielder Aaron Harris (Washington, PA/McGuffey) earned a spot on third team. He added four goals and three assists for 11 points in his rookie season. His three game-winning goals ranked him tied for second on the team.
