The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) has honored senior back Phil Vestergaard (St. Petersburg, FL) and junior back Matt Ratajczak (Brooklyn, NY), both key members of Mike Russo's Williams College men's soccer team backline.
Vestergaard, a four-year letterman and a three-year starter, earned First Team NSCAA New England North Honors and Second Team NSCAA All-America honors, while Ratajczak earned First Team New England North honors.
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| Matt Ratajczak '13 |
Vestergaard is the 46th Eph coached by Russo to be named an All-American, while 66 have earned All-New England honors.
In 16 games this fall the 9-4-3 Ephs allowed just 10 goals, 0.625 a game.
Starting 15 of the 16 games this season Vestergaard finished third in the Eph team in scoring with three goals and one assist (7 points). All three of his goals this fall were game-winners.
Vestergaard was called on to stabilize the Eph backline while co-honoree Matt Ratajczak was sidelined with injury. Ratajczak appeared in 13 games this year making a dozen starts. He scored one goal.
"Phil was our unsung hero," noted Russo. "He was one of our players who played virtually every minute of every match . He was outstanding in his role as a wing back , defending with tenacity but also getting forward in the attack."
"Phil also was very good as a central defender when we needed him to move inside because of injuries. In both positions he played consistently well throughout the season and he certainly was one of our most valuable players. At 6'4', he dominated the airways but also was very good with the ball at his feet. He will be greatly missed next season."
Vestergaard was the lone NESCAC men's player to be honored as an All-American by the NSCAA this year, that is, until midfielder Rory O'Neill from Wesleyan was added to the Second Team by the NSCAA as reported by the NESCAC at 3:48 PM on December 15.
