LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky men’s soccer freshman defender Dylan Asher and sophomore midfielder Matt Lodge have been named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Performance Subaru All-Midwest Region third team, it was announced.
“Both Matt and Dylan are exceptional talents,” UK head coach Ian Collins said. “Both play with an appetite that is relentless and they show up every day with their best efforts.”
A native of Richardson, Texas, Asher was named to the NSCAA All-Midwest region third team in a voting of region coaches. A dynamic defender, Asher stepped into the UK lineup as a true freshman and anchored a young, injury-depleted roster. Lodge, a native of Rossington, England, was also named to the third team.
Asher led UK in minutes played, starting all 19 games and logging 1767 total minutes. Asher took 14 shots on the year, including five on goal, helping lead the UK defense to four shutouts.
“Dylan plays with a level of maturity that way surpasses his freshman status and his qualities are obvious to anyone who has seen him play,” Collins said. “If he continues his present rate of development then he will certainly have the opportunity to be a top-level professional and one of the best collegiate players in the country.”
Lodge paced UK in scoring for the second consecutive year, totaling four goals and three assists, also leading the team with 32 shots, including 22 shots on goal. Lodge’s biggest goal of the year came as a free-kick goal in UK’s win at No. 17 Tulsa, lifting UK to the 2-1 comeback win.
“Matt found his true form in the second half of the season and took over the games against Tulsa, South Carolina and Indiana to name a few,” Collins said. “Only a sophomore, I know his best is yet to come and next year will propel himself into a contender for national player of the year.”
At the end of the regular-season, Asher was named third-team All-Conference USA and as a member of the C-USA All-Freshman team. UK placed three freshmen on the All-Conference USA teams, including Asher, Tyler Riggs and goalkeeper Tyler Beadle. Lodge was named second-team All-Conference USA.
