Hill, Thompson and Howell Named All-Conference
11/8/2018 10:41:00 AM | Men's Soccer
2018 All-Conference Teams
DavidsonPhotos.com
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – After leading Davidson to its best Atlantic 10 finish since joining the league in 2014, Jordan Hill (first-team), Jaylen Thompson (second-team) and Henry Howell (all-rookie) have received all-conference recognition, as announced Thursday.
"It is a huge honor to be named first-team all-conference," said Hill. "It is a testament to the hard work and effort that I have put in over the years. But none of this would be possible without God. I would also like to thank my family, the coaching staff, Chase Landers, my teammates and so many more people in my life because none of this would be possible without the support of them. I would like to particularly acknowledge the rest of the group of defenders and Sawyer Gaffney this year as we always pushed each other to get better every practice and this culture translated into the games."
"The team made tremendous strides forward this season up the conference standings. I think it's very important to note that the success of our team was not an individual effort, but always a team effort, as it took everyone's contributions to do so well. I am extremely proud of this group and for my fellow seniors, Aidan, Coleman, Drew, Seth, and Tanner to put the program and culture in a better situation for the future."
Jordan Hill
Senior | Defender
Chesapeake, Va.
A mainstay in the starting lineup since his freshman campaign, Hill appeared in 65 career contests, including 59 starts. In 2018, he enjoyed his best season in a Wildcat uniform recording a pair of goals and an assist, while logging a team-best 1,689 minutes. In addition, he anchored a Davidson defense that posted five clean sheets.
Comments from Head Coach Matt Spear
Jordan has been a four-year starter, a warrior every time he puts on his uniform, a leader and a Captain. He's improved each season and our success in his senior campaign, hinged on his intensity and never back down example. It will be neat to see if he competes as a pro, but regardless Jordan's stamp on our program and the team's ambition has been profound.
Jaylen Thompson
Junior | Midfielder
Virginia Beach, Va.
Along with leading the team and ranking among A-10 leaders with five assists, Thompson was second on the club with four goals, including the eventual game-winner against UNC Asheville. He also logged a personal-best 1,447 minutes, while starting all 18 contests for the Wildcats.
Comments from Head Coach Matt Spear
Jaylen's electric speed and 1v1 capacities had other coaches striving to control his impact. With the ball at his feet on either wing or anywhere in the attacking half, he's a threat running at defenses – and a joy to watch. This fall was his healthiest to date and he can even expand his influence next season.
Henry Howell
Freshman | Defender
Bradenton, Fla.
As a freshman, Howell led the team in goals scored (5) and total points (14). He also finished second on the club with four assists, while helping Davidson's backline record five shutouts. In addition to playing in all 18 contests, including 16 starts, he played 1,488 minutes, which were third most on the squad.
Comments from Head Coach Matt Spear
Henry is a prime example of our talented freshmen, which helped move the needle for the program this season. We were confident that Henry would be a spark, but locking in a starting position and contributing several goals was a pleasant surprise. His fitness, durability and attacking production were huge.
2018 Davidson Men's Soccer Postseason Notes
-- Davidson finished second in the regular season standings after being picked eighth in the 2018 Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll.
-- In addition to finishing 9-7-2 overall and 5-2-1 in league play, the Wildcats posted a 4-1-2 record in overtime contests and 5-2-1 mark away from home.
-- The Wildcats played four teams that spent time in the Top 25, including a 2-2 draw against then-ranked No. 10 Virginia Tech.
-- 14 of Davidson's 26 goals were scored by freshmen.
-- Jordan Hill was the lone senior in the starting lineup
DavidsonPhotos.com
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – After leading Davidson to its best Atlantic 10 finish since joining the league in 2014, Jordan Hill (first-team), Jaylen Thompson (second-team) and Henry Howell (all-rookie) have received all-conference recognition, as announced Thursday.
"It is a huge honor to be named first-team all-conference," said Hill. "It is a testament to the hard work and effort that I have put in over the years. But none of this would be possible without God. I would also like to thank my family, the coaching staff, Chase Landers, my teammates and so many more people in my life because none of this would be possible without the support of them. I would like to particularly acknowledge the rest of the group of defenders and Sawyer Gaffney this year as we always pushed each other to get better every practice and this culture translated into the games."
"The team made tremendous strides forward this season up the conference standings. I think it's very important to note that the success of our team was not an individual effort, but always a team effort, as it took everyone's contributions to do so well. I am extremely proud of this group and for my fellow seniors, Aidan, Coleman, Drew, Seth, and Tanner to put the program and culture in a better situation for the future."
Jordan Hill
Senior | Defender
Chesapeake, Va.
A mainstay in the starting lineup since his freshman campaign, Hill appeared in 65 career contests, including 59 starts. In 2018, he enjoyed his best season in a Wildcat uniform recording a pair of goals and an assist, while logging a team-best 1,689 minutes. In addition, he anchored a Davidson defense that posted five clean sheets.
Comments from Head Coach Matt Spear
Jordan has been a four-year starter, a warrior every time he puts on his uniform, a leader and a Captain. He's improved each season and our success in his senior campaign, hinged on his intensity and never back down example. It will be neat to see if he competes as a pro, but regardless Jordan's stamp on our program and the team's ambition has been profound.
Jaylen Thompson
Junior | Midfielder
Virginia Beach, Va.
Along with leading the team and ranking among A-10 leaders with five assists, Thompson was second on the club with four goals, including the eventual game-winner against UNC Asheville. He also logged a personal-best 1,447 minutes, while starting all 18 contests for the Wildcats.
Comments from Head Coach Matt Spear
Jaylen's electric speed and 1v1 capacities had other coaches striving to control his impact. With the ball at his feet on either wing or anywhere in the attacking half, he's a threat running at defenses – and a joy to watch. This fall was his healthiest to date and he can even expand his influence next season.
Henry Howell
Freshman | Defender
Bradenton, Fla.
As a freshman, Howell led the team in goals scored (5) and total points (14). He also finished second on the club with four assists, while helping Davidson's backline record five shutouts. In addition to playing in all 18 contests, including 16 starts, he played 1,488 minutes, which were third most on the squad.
Comments from Head Coach Matt Spear
Henry is a prime example of our talented freshmen, which helped move the needle for the program this season. We were confident that Henry would be a spark, but locking in a starting position and contributing several goals was a pleasant surprise. His fitness, durability and attacking production were huge.
2018 Davidson Men's Soccer Postseason Notes
-- Davidson finished second in the regular season standings after being picked eighth in the 2018 Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll.
-- In addition to finishing 9-7-2 overall and 5-2-1 in league play, the Wildcats posted a 4-1-2 record in overtime contests and 5-2-1 mark away from home.
-- The Wildcats played four teams that spent time in the Top 25, including a 2-2 draw against then-ranked No. 10 Virginia Tech.
-- 14 of Davidson's 26 goals were scored by freshmen.
-- Jordan Hill was the lone senior in the starting lineup
Players Mentioned
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