ELON, N.C. – Seniors James Brace, Nathan Diehl and Sam McBride of the Elon University men’s soccer team were added to the 2015 North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) All-State Men’s Soccer Teams as announced by the association on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
Brace and Diehl received first team accolades while McBride was a second team selection. Brace and Diehl were repeat NCCSIA honorees while McBride made the All-State teams for the first time in his career.
Brace was the Phoenix’s leading scorer during the 2015 season with a team-best 17 points on his six goals and five assists. He also led the squad with four game-winners including victories over Delaware, Lipscomb, UNCW and Winthrop during the Phoenix victory over the Eagles in the NCAA Tournament. The Hartlepool, England, native was a first team All-CAA selection this year and ended her career in the top-10 in school history in career goals and points.
Diehl aided a Phoenix defensive bacline to a CAA-best nine clean sheets during the year and was rewarded as the CAA 2015 Defensive Player of the Year. The Birmingham, Ala., native also contributed on the offensive end with four goals including a game-winner in double overtime in Elon’s 1-0 win over College of Charleston. Diehl also received first team All-CAA honors.
McBride played every minute on the pitch from his center back position and helped the Phoenix to a league-best nine shutouts. He also tallied his first career points this year with a pair of assists including a helper on the game-winner versus James Madison in Elon’s 2-1 win over the Dukes. The Greensboro, N.C., native was named the All-CAA third team and made the CAA All-Tournament team.