University of Kentucky senior Giovani Fernandes and junior Ilkka Janttiwere named to the 2000 All-Mid-American Conference Men’s Soccer First Teamfor the second consecutive year, the league announced.

Fernandes found his way back onto the list with his strong play in themidfield for the Cats. He has started 17 of the 18 games in which he has playedand is tied for second on the team with eight points, on two goals and fourassists. This is the third year Fernandes has been named to the team, earningsecond-team honors in 1998 and first-team in 1999.

This is Jantti’s third time on the all-conference team in as many seasons atUK. As a freshman in 1998, he was named MAC Newcomer of the Year alongwith his second-team selection. Then in 1999, Jantti was honored with afirst-team selection. As a defender, Jantti has seen action in 17 games thisseason, starting all 17, and he is tied for fifth on the team in points with six (twogoals and two assists).

“We are very proud of the way these young men have played this seasonand the positive attention they bring to the program,” head coach Ian Collinssaid. “It is a testament to their hard work to be selected by the MAC headcoaches as two of the best players in the conference for the third consecutiveyear, and I think they are very deserving. They have been a great addition to theUK program.”

2000 All-Mid-American Conference Men's Soccer TeamFirst Team:Kyle Milligan*          Akron                   Jr.     GoalkeeperGreg Prusha*            Akron                   Sr.     DefenseIlkka Jantti*           Kentucky                Jr.     DefenseAdam Erhard             Bowling Green           Sr.     DefenseOrjan Bjaneso*  Akron                   Jr.     MidfieldGiovani Fernandes*      Kentucky                Jr.     MidfieldFred Degand*            Bowling Green           Sr.     MidfieldDan Parisi              Northern Illinois       Sr.     MidfieldByron Carmichael        Marshall                So.     ForwardChrister Larsen Akron                   Sr.     ForwardBrian McCallion Buffalo                 Sr.     Forward*repeat first-team All-MAC from 1999

Second Team:Taly Goode Marshall Sr. GoalkeeperTracy Dowe Akron Sr. DefenseDennis Ahebwa Marshall So. DefenseVivian Baku Marshall So. DefenseMatt Lyons Bowling Green Sr. MidfieldChris Donovan Marshall So. MidfieldMike Bravo Western Michigan So. MidfieldDave Spaulding Marshall So. MidfieldNick Park Northern Illinois So. MidfieldRob Friend Western Michigan So. ForwardReece Richardson Western Michigan Fr. ForwardScott Duhl Western Michigan Fr. Forward (more)

Gary V. Palmisano Coach of the Year: Bob Gray, MarshallPlayer of the Year: Byron Carmichael, MarshallNewcomer of the Year: Reece Richardson, Western Michigan