DALLAS, Texas (University of Memphis) - Three University of Memphis men's soccer players garnered honors from the Conference USA league office in Dallas, Texas as was announced on Thursday afternoon. Rick Alleman, a senior defender from Spring, Texas, was named to the All-C-USA second team. Andreas Guentner, a freshman from Regensburg, Germany, was selected to the All-Freshman team, as well as the All-C-USA third team. Fellow newcomer J.J. Greer, was a C-USA All-Freshman pick.
Alleman, a staple in the Tiger back four for the past four season, helped lead the Tiger defense to six shutouts in 2009, including shutouts on Conference USA foes South Carolina and FIU. Alleman finished the season with one goal and one assist. Alleman's goal against Marshall was the second of his career. His assist came on the game-winning goal against UCF.
"I think Rick (Alleman) had a good campaign as a senior," said Memphis assistant coach Nick Glaser. "He was our most consistent player throughout the year. When he was hurt towards the end of the year it really showed in our back line. The coaches in our conference saw what we saw in Rick. It is a great honor for him to end his senior year with."
Guentner, who proved to be a versatile addition to the Tiger line-up during his initial collegiate season, finished the year with two goals and one assist. Guentner scored one of four Memphis goals against Drake, for his first goal. His second goal of the season came on a 25 yard laser into the goal for the game-winner against FIU. Guentner played center midfielder, fullback and centerback for the Tigers during the 2009 season.
"Andreas (Guentner) was a key player for us throughout the year," Glaser said. "He scored some goals for us but he was asked to play multiple positions during the season and did very well at filling in where he was needed. I think it is great for him to be named to the third team in his first year here. He just can't be content with that as he moves forward with his career and I'm confident that he won't be."
Greer, a native of Cordova, Tenn., finished his first collegiate season with one goal and five assists. At one time this season Greer was ranked in the Top-10 for assists in the nation.
"We've had a quite a few players named to the All-Freshman team over the years," Glaser said. "We are always happy when we can get guys who make the all-conference team. We are looking to J.J. to contribute a lot more in the future. We will build off what he did in the fall as we get back at it over the spring season."
Greer and Guentner are the ninth and 10th players to be named to the All-Freshman team under the tutelage of Memphis head coach Richie Grant. The Tigers have had an All-Freshman selection in each of the last three seasons.
Alleman is the 11th player to be named to the All-C-USA second team under Grant. Jared Britcher, Michael Coburn and Adam Montgomery were the last All-C-USA second team selection for the Tigers. All three were named to the team at the conclusion of the 2007 season.
Guentner is the ninth Memphis player to be named to the All-C-USA third team under Grant. Parker Duncan, a sophomore for the U of M, was named to the third team last season.
