Four men’s soccer players named to 2009 All-MIAA teams

The Olivet College men's soccer team was rewarded for the best season in school history, as four players have been named to the 2009 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) teams. Junior goalkeeper Ethan Felsing (Mason), freshman midfielder Matt Garza (Saline) and junior forward Mike May (Mason) earned first-team honors, while junior defender Matt Manning (Charlotte) is a second-team selection. All-MIAA honors are based on a player's statistics during the 14-game league schedule. The three first-team selections are the most in school history for one season.

Under the direction of first-year Head Coach Chad Wiseman, the Comets finished with a 7-4-3 MIAA record. The 24 points ties the single-season school record for points in league play. Olivet posted a 11-6-3 overall record, and the .625 winning percentage is the best in school history.

During MIAA play, Felsing ranked either first or second in five-of-six goalkeeper statistical categories. He was first in saves percentage (.900), tied for first in shutouts (eight) and shutouts per game (0.57), and was second in goals against average (0.60) and saves (72). In addition, Felsing stopped two-of-three penalty kicks. Both saves were in 1-0 Olivet wins against Alma College.

"Ethan is a true leader on and off the field," said Wiseman. "He was the backbone to our team this year with his ability to compete day in and day out. Ethan gave us a chance to win no matter who our opponent was. I believe he is the most dominant player in the MIAA."

Garza started 13-of-14 games in the midfield for the Comets, recording three assists. He took 21 total shots, including 14 on-goal for a team-leading .667 shot-on-goal percentage.

"Matt made the transition to the college game very quickly," Wiseman said. "He is very tricky with the ball at his feet and also possesses the explosiveness to blow by defenders. Matt added some creativety to our midfield this year and has a bright future at Olivet and in the MIAA."

May, who earned first-team All-MIAA honors last season, was the starting forward in 13 games. He led the Comets and was first in the league with five assists. May also had two goals for nine points.

"Mike had a very good season," said Wiseman. "He has a unique set of skills with his quickness, speed and strength to hold off defenders. In MIAA play, Mike saw teams put two defenders on him, and he was still able to create scoring chances for us."

Manning started all 14 games for Olivet. He scored a team-leading three goals. Two of the goals were on a penalty kicks.

"Matt did an exceptional job organizing our defense," Wiseman said. "He plays with a lot of passion and emotion. I don't think there is a better defender in our conference. Additionally, Matt has made great strides this season in terms of his leadership role."