Dec. 21, 2007
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Two members of the Notre Dame men’s soccer team have received postseason honors from Soccer America. Senior forward Joseph Lapira (Lake Charles, La./Saint Louis Catholic) was named a first-team MVP, while midfielder Matt Armstrong (Phoenix, Ariz./North Canyon) was tabbed to the All-Freshman second team. He also earned similar honors from College Soccer News.
Lapira, the 2006 Soccer America Men’s Player of the Year, is the lone holdover from the 2006 MVPs to be selected to the 2007 first team. This marks the first year since Soccer America introduced the MVP awards in 1976 that it has selected a first and second team. The senior led the Fighting Irish in scoring for the third straight season as he registered 28 points on nine goals and 10 assists.
Lapira has received several postseason accolades. He was named a first-team National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-American for the second straight season in addition to earning second-team All-America honors from College Soccer News. The 2006 M.A.C. Hermann Trophy winner is also one of three finalists for this year’s award.
Armstrong started every match in the center of the Irish midfield as he replaced two-time All-American Greg Dalby at that position. The rookie notched one assist and earned honorable-mention all-BIG EAST honors. Armstrong was an integral part in Notre Dame posting a 14-5-5 record and advancing to the NCAA Championship quarterfinals for the second straight season.
As a team, Notre Dame was ranked sixth in the final NSCAA poll for the 2007 campaign. That matches the highest final ranking in program history. The Irish also finished sixth last season.
— ND —