CAMBRIDGE, Mass.– Seven UMass Lowell men's soccer players  earned America East All-Conference honors, as announced by the conference office Friday afternoon.

"It's great to see our guys recognized for their work throughout the season," said Head Coach Christian Figueroa. "It was another step forward in the right direction, and these guys show that UMass Lowell men's soccer is going to be a competitor in the America East Conference."

Sophomore midfielder Carlos Ruiz (East Boston, Mass.) and sophomore back Wuilito Fernandes (Praia, Cape Verde) were both named to the America East All-Conference First Team. Senior forward Homero Morais (Somerville, Mass) was named to the All-Conference Second Team. Freshman goalkeeper Austin Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) was named America East Co-Rookie of the Year.

"Wuilito had a break out season, but his expectations were high of himself, so it's no surprise to us that he had the success he did," remarked Figueroa. "Without a doubt, one of the most influential players in the conference, and an exciting player to watch."

Freshmen backs Austin Kimball (Pepperell, Mass.) and Joseph Conti were named to the All-Rookie Team, along with Kroll (Baltimore, Md.) and freshman midfielder Federico Ferre (Waltham, Mass.).

Ruiz was also named to the All-Academic Team with a GPA of 3.62.

"Carlos bounced back very well after sitting last year due to injury," commented Figueroa. "He was an important piece of the puzzle in order for us to be successful. He has expanded his game and it helped the team tremendously. His focus in the classroom shows the discipline in him, and he brings that with him every day out to the field."

Fernandes and Ruiz both helped to spearhead the River Hawk offense, combining for eight goals and five assists for 21 points. Fernandes led the team with five goals and two assists for 12 points, including one game-winning goal. He also led the conference with 61 shots. Ruiz had a team-high three assists and added three goals, including the game-winner at Stony Brook.

Morais ended his final season as a River Hawk with four goals (two game-winners) and two assists for 10 points.

"Homero may not have had the stats he did a year ago, but that comes with the territory when you become a well-known opponent and teams focus more on you," said the fifth-year coach. "He was a great leader for this team and the program. We will miss him going forward." 

 Kroll started all 18 games and earned his accolades after finishing his first collegiate season with eight wins and five shutouts. He ranks first in the conference with 92 saves and 5.11 saves per game. He ranked third with a .800 save percentage and seventh with a 1.26 goals against average.

"Austin Kroll had an outstanding freshman campaign," said Figueroa. "Arguably the most influential freshman in the conference, he made at least one crucial save in each game this year that helped us stay in games. In conference matches, I didn't see any other freshman that stood out as much as Austin. This is in part due to him raising his level once conference play began." 

Kimball and Conti were a strong part of the back line that protected Kroll and helped preserve the shutouts with 18 and 16 appearances, respectively. Kimball added the game-winning goal against Binghamton during homecoming weekend.

"Joe was a reliable piece of our back line all year long. His competitive attitude and soccer intelligence helped us play the way we wanted to play all year long. Austin Kimball stepped up in a big way at a time when the team started going through some changes. He played valuable minutes for us in the midfield before finding a home as a center back. Not a guy that ends up on the stat sheet at the end of games, he scored one of the biggest goals for us all year in a 2-1 victory over Binghamton. "

Ferre appeared in 14 games and tallied one assist, but showed he was a vital asset in the transition midfield and on both sides of the ball.

"Federico is another young talent that has a bright future here, just like the other guys," concluded Figueroa. "Also not a guy that ends up in the stat sheet often, but an important player in the way we play and another important piece to our success."

UMass Lowell finished its second season in Division I with a 8-9-1 record, placing third in the conference with a 4-2-1 mark.