December 10, 2010

Kurt Olsen Named to NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional First Team

KINGS POINT, N.Y. – On Thursday morning, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) released its Mid-Atlantic Regional squads for men's soccer and sophomore back Kurt Olsen (Charlotte, N.C.) of the United States Merchant Marine Academy was tabbed to the First Team for his stellar 2010 campaign.

Olsen, who also notched a spot on the All-Landmark Conference First Team and was named the Landmark Defensive Player of the Year, helped the Mariners secure 12 shutouts this year. Olsen was the center-back of a defensive unit that allowed just 12 goals during the regular season. The Charlotte, N.C. native started in all 21 games for Kings Point this year scoring four times and dishing out a pair of assists.

Olsen, who was the only sophomore named to any Mid-Atlantic Regional team, helped his team to the "Elite 8" round of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament this year, which was the furthest any team in Academy history has ever gone. Olsen was directly responsible for sending Kings Point into the "Sweet 16" round as he netted the game-tying and game-winning goals. The Mariners, who finished with a No. 8 NSCAA national ranking, lost in the Elite 8 round to the eventual-national champions Messiah College.

"Kurt's First-Team selection is well-deserved and is a reflection of the outstanding season our team had. Coach Fitzgerald, Coach Sutton and I are very pleased with the progress he has made since coming on campus and his performance this season. Kurt had another outstanding season as a central defender and emerged as a team leader in the back and within the entire team. With the graduation of All-American defender Kyle Kempinski, Kurt took on a great deal of responsibility for the defense, which was a major reason for the success of our team," Head Coach Michael Smolens commented.

"Kurt is also very smooth on the ball and helps the team with our buildup out of the back. In addition, he is a dangerous player when he gets forward and scored two of the biggest goals in school history to propel us to the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA Tournament. With all of Kurt's talents as a player, what was most important to the coaches and the team this year was the way Kurt carried himself both on and off the field. His presence as a leader was a key for us all season long."