RICHMOND, Va. – The Elon University men’s soccer team saw five members of its program earn accolades from the Colonial Athletic Association as the league announced its 2017 postseason awards on Thursday, Nov. 9, headlined by keeper Matthew Jegier’s All-CAA first team selection.
Along with Jegier, receiving All-CAA accolades for the Phoenix was sophomore defender Luke Matthews on the second team and seniors Elijah Agu and Jonathan Coleby as third team selections. Rounding out the squad’s All-CAA honorees was freshman Ronni Mleczkovicz on the league’s All-Rookie team.
“We are always pleased and proud when our players get recognized for their high level of play, but we certainly place the team concept of success over these type of awards,” said Elon head coach Marc Reeves. “The nine teams that make this a very strong league have some highly talented players so to be part of any CAA acknowledgement is a fantastic achievement.”
Jeiger follows up his record-breaking season in goal with his first career all-league accolade. The Charlotte, N.C., native led the CAA in goals-against average (0.57), save percentage (.833) and shutouts (10), which is also currently ranked third in the nation, while playing every minute between the posts this season. Jegier also became the program’s all-time career leader in clean sheets at Delaware on Oct. 28, posting the 26th of his career. His 10 shutouts this season also tied Clint Irwin’s ’11 single-season record from 2009.
“Jeiger has worked incredibly hard and consistently prepared and performed at a high level this fall,” said Reeves. “There are several very good keepers in the strong CAA league so to be voted number one by the coaches is a great achievement and I believe well deserved. Matt had a record-setting year but continues to have a strong desire to improve and I think has been hugely aided by Coach (Matthew) Brown’s expertise and commitment to maximizing all our goalkeeper’s full potential. We will need Jegier to step up his leadership role in the off-season and demand more on a daily basis for this group to improve.”
Matthews, a member of the 2016 CAA All-Freshman Team, drew second team honors following a successful sophomore campaign. The Swindon, England, native emerged as one of the leaders on a Phoenix backline that was one of the best both in the CAA and in the nation. Elon ranked first in the league in fewest goals allowed (11), GAA (0.57) and shutouts (10) and ranked in the top-10 in the country in GAA, shutouts and fewest goals allowed. He also added an assist to his stat line versus High Point.
“Luke was very consistent in all areas and obviously a big reason why our team defensive record was strong,” said Reeves. “I believe Luke really worked hard in the summer on certain areas and stepped up his physicality and tactical aspect of his defending to make him overall a much better player. He is still young and I think can keep developing a great deal, but to make the second team in this league is a great and well deserved achievement.”
Agu earned All-CAA honors for the second straight season with a third-team selection. The Cary, N.C., native was one of the main offensive catalysts for the maroon and gold this season pacing the squad in total points with 12, tied for fifth in the league. Agu tied the team-lead this season with four goals and led Elon with four assists – a new single-season career high. He also had two game-winning goals this season versus UCF and Drexel.
“Elijah has had some major impact moments and shown growth on and off the field the last couple of seasons,” said Reeves. “His skill, athletic ability and quality in finishing has seen him impact the program and be the leading point’s scorer, for sure he has the potential to play at the next level.”
Coleby garnered All-CAA honors for the second time also as the Middlesbrough, England, native joined Agu on the third team. The three-year team captain has been a staple in the Phoenix’s backline during his career as Elon has been one of the more dominant defensive teams over that stretch. Despite missing time during the end of the regular season due to injury, Coleby still had a huge impact on the field for the Phoenix with Elon posting seven shutouts in his 10 matches he played in.
“Jono has been a consistent high level performer for Elon soccer all four years, with some outstanding stats and success,” said Reeves. “He will be truly missed on and off the field. It is always hard to see seniors struggle with injuries and he was playing incredibly well at the start of the year. “
Mleczkovicz concluded the honorees for the Phoenix with his spot on the CAA All-Freshman Team. The Gothenburg, Sweden, native was second on the team in total points with nine on his three goals and three assists and was a two-time CAA Rookie of the Week selection this season. His goals at Charlotte and Hofstra helped the Phoenix to pair of draws in both matches while he also aided Elon to a 2-1 road victory at Davidson on a goal and an assist in that contest.
“Ronni is a talented player who has some special qualities that can really impact a game,” added Reeves. “I think the transition and differences in set up of collegiate soccer took a little adjustment time, but Ronni certainly had a solid season and is well deserving of making the league’s talented All-Freshman Team.”