Nov. 12, 2008

2008 All-Conference Teams

PHILADELPHIA - The University of Dayton had four players named to the 2008 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer All-Conference Teams determined by a vote conducted by the league's head coaches.

Senior forward Florian DeCamps earned top honors for the Flyers nabbing First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors. Junior midfielder Alex Torda picked up Second Team accolades and junior defender Ryan Handbury was tabbed an Honorable Mention selection. Jack Pearson, a freshman central back, was named to the All-Rookie Team. In addition to his Second Team Honors, Torda was named to the Academic All-Conference Team.

"I just want to congratulate these guys for their accolades," said UD head coach Dennis Currier. "These awards are based on their hard work and performances this season and they definitely deserve the recognition."

DeCamps, a first-time A-10 selection from Cannes, France, was named to two all-tournament teams this season, including MVP of one. He is second for UD in scoring with six goals and tied for the team lead in assists with five. He earned A-10 Player of the Week honors for the Flyers on Sept. 22 for his efforts in the Dayton Flyer Courtyard by Marriott Tournament. He also led the team in game-winning goals with four.

Torda, a First-Team selection a season ago, was named Second Team after leading the Flyers in scoring and points. The Hermann Trophy Watch candidate from Dallas, Texas notched 10 goals, with seven coming against A-10 opponents. He was a two-time conference Player of the Week and was named to three all-tournament teams this season. A First Team All-District IV CoSIDA ESPN The Magazine All-Academic selection, Torda was also named to the 2008 A-10 Men's Soccer Academic All-Conference Team.

Handbury, a native of Nottingham, England, continues to serve as the leader of the UD defense that posted six shutouts this season, including a span when the Flyers did not allow a goal in more than 370 minutes of action. A team captain that has played every minute, Handbury is back on the Honorable Mention team after being selected for the same team as a freshman.

Pearson, of Coventry, England, represents the Flyers on the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team after a stellar season as a central defender. In addition to fortifying the UD defense, Pearson was masterful on set pieces, scoring four goals, including three game-winners. He was named to the Dayton Flyer Marriott Invitational all-tournament team and ended the season with nine points.

The University of Dayton (12-4-2) will play Rhode Island (8-7-3) in the first round of the 2008 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Championship this Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. ET at Duquesne University's Rooney Field. If No.3-seeded Dayton should best the No. 6-seeded Rams UD would advance to the semifinals to face No. 2-seeded Temple (10-4-4) Friday, Nov. 14 at 8:30 p.m. The A-10 Championship game will be held Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. No. 1-seeded Massachusetts, No. 4 Saint Louis and No. 5 Fordham are also in the Championship field. The winner of the A-10 tournament receives an automatic berth to the 50th Annual NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship.