Reiter, Pacifici, Macnamara & Reinikka Earn A-10 Honors

Thursday, November 13

Richmond, Va.

2:00 p.m.

Davidson College Athletics

George Mason

Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com

Reiter, Pacifici, Macnamara & Reinikka Earn A-10 Honors

11/12/2014 3:39:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Men’s Soccer Opens A-10 Tournament Play Thursday Afternoon

DAVIDSON, N.C. – In addition to Davidson's Alan Reiter being named to the Atlantic 10 first team and all-academic squad, Shane Macnamara and Matt Pacifici earned second-team all-conference recognition, while Matt Reinikka was voted to the all-rookie team, as announced by the league office Wednesday.

Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Tournament Preview
Live Stats | Live Video | Bracket | Tournament Central

Riding a five-game unbeaten streak, Davidson will take on George Mason in the opening round of the Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Tournament Thursday at 2 p.m. in Richmond, Va.

"We are stoked about the A-10 Tournament," commented head coach Matt Spear. "The new conference move has been exciting – to play new teams, to spark new rivalries, and of course to ignite alumni in different markets. And we can't wait to see alumni, families and fans at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond. Go Davidson!"

The Wildcats, who finished tied for fourth in the league standings with the Patriots, enter their first-ever A-10 Tournament 10-2-5 overall following a 1-1 draw at George Washington to conclude the regular season.

The winner of Davidson's quarterfinal matchup will advance to face the victor of the game between top-seeded Rhode Island and Dayton.

George Mason, one of just two teams to knock off the Wildcats during the regular season, edged Davidson 2-1 on a penalty kick in overtime nearly three weeks ago.

"George Mason is a wonderful quarterfinal opponent. The overtime regular season match is still fresh with familiarity. With all soccer games, the result will be totally up for grabs, which is where the theater improvises and battlefield resonates," Spear said.

"We will as usual focus on ourselves with a "Prepare > Perform" emphasis. The guys' mindset, cohesion, toughness, belief, resilience and sprit this fall has been remarkable and inspirational; and they are poised to show their best. We are ready, we will defend and attack together, we will play our game, and we will battle. We are All In."

Atlantic 10 All-Conference Notes & Quotes

Alan Reiter, Midfielder
First-Team All-Conference / All-Academic
Leads the team in goals (8), game-winning goals (6), total points (19) and shots (51)… Ranks among league leaders in shots (5th), shots per game (4th), points (T-3rd), points per game (3rd), goals (3rd), goals per game (3rd) and game-winning goals (2nd)… Provided the equalizer in Davidson's upset of No. 2/3 Virginia… Also netted the golden-goal in the 95th minute at Duke… Selected the A-10 Player of the Week for games played Sept. 22-28… Carries a 3.636 GPA in political science.

Comments from Coach Spear
Wow, what a season for Alan! He has been pivotal with so many crucial goals. He came to Davidson aiming for just such performances and big wins. I also appreciate and admire his toughness, savvy, class and humility."

Off the field, Alan is equally driven to perform at a premier level. He's got one of the best GPA's on a team full of very intelligent, committed students. Plus, he's done various internships to help prepare for the real world, with full-time employment already secured with Wells Fargo after completing course work in December.

Shane Macnamara, Midfielder
Second-Team All-Conference
Started all 17 games during the regular season… Tied for the team lead with four assists… Ranks among A-10 leaders in assists (T-10th) and assists per game (T-10th)… Lone goal of the season came on a penalty kick in Davidson's 2-1 win at Duke.

Comments from Coach Spear
Shane is a true leader in his focus, work ethic, and unselfishness. This team's mentality is significantly driven by Shane's example, conviction and words. I am thrilled that the other A-10 coaches view and awarded how key Shane's heart and soul are to our team's success.

Matt Pacifici, Goalkeeper
Second-Team All-Conference
Finished the regular season with a 10-2-4 record and career-high six shutouts… Put together a stretch of 274 scoreless minutes earning A-10 Co-Player of the Week for matches played Oct. 27 – Nov. 2… Four clean sheets came in conference play, including against nationally-ranked Saint Louis… Ranks among A-10 goalkeepers in goals-against-average (2nd/0.70), save percentage (2nd/.829) and shutouts (T-6th/6.1).

Comments from Coach Spear
It's been a breakthrough season for Matt and our defending. In 2013 we allowed 30 goals with three shutouts – this season we allowed just 14 goals and earned seven shutouts. Much of Matt's impact is in his stellar play in the goalmouth – but also the leadership and ambition that rubs off on others.

Matt Reinikka, Defender
All-Rookie Team
Started all 17 regular season contests at center back, while leading the team in minutes played with 1598… Part of a Wildcat defense that recorded six shutouts, ACC road wins over No. 2/3 Virginia and Duke… Also played a major factor in Davidson tying for the league lead in fewest goals allowed with 14.

Comments from Coach Spear
Matt's muscle, communication abilities, and cover for teammates have been a massive factor for our improvement on the defensive side of the ball. He's successfully integrated in to the college game, while assisting to shoulder the roles of fellow center backs Kristian Garciamendez-Rowold and Max Riehemann.