LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky men’s soccer standouts Dylan Asher and Tyler Beadle have been honored among the top freshmen in collegiate soccer by TopDrawerSoccer.com, it was announced.

Asher and Beadle played a major role in anchoring a UK defensive unit loaded with newcomers. UK finished the season with over 75-percent of the minutes played during the year by first-year players. The Wildcats utilized Asher as a defender and midfielder throughout the season, while Beadle played all but nine minutes of the season in goal. TopDrawerSoccer.com tabbed Asher as the 50th-best freshmen in the nation and Beadle as the 96th-best freshmen.

“Dylan and Tyler were among a group of eight to 10 freshmen that were forced to play significant roles on our team this season,” UK head coach Ian Collins said. “It was great for us to have three freshmen and one sophomore named All-Conference USA and we are all excited about these and many other young players. The future is really bright for our program.”

A native of Richardson, Texas, Asher led the team with 1767 minutes played on the year, only missing a total of 46 minutes of the season. A standout defender, Asher helped lead UK to a 1.34 goals-against average, with Asher also totaling 14 shots on the year.

Beadle, a native of Douglasville, Ga., stepped into a three-way battle for the starting goalkeeper position in the preseason, after four-year starter Dan Williams graduated. Beadle was dynamic throughout the season, totaling a 1.30 goals-against average in 19 starts, facing 229 shots. Beadle finished with 63 saves on the year, good for the ninth-most saves in UK single-season history.

Asher, Beadle, freshman Tyler Riggs and sophomore Matt Lodge were all honored last week as members of the 2010 All-Conference USA team. Asher and Lodge earned second-team accolades, while Riggs and Beadle were named to the third team. Asher and Beadle were each named to the All-Conference USA Freshman Team.

“Without a doubt, Dylan has the abilities and mentality to be one of the best players in the country and a top level pro,” Collins said. “Tyler had an outstanding season and follows in the footsteps of outstanding UK goalkeepers, including Dan Williams, Andy Gruenebaum, Greg Raber, Brian O’ Leary and others.”