What Is 2018 NCAA Men's Soccer All-Americans

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 NCAA Men's Soccer All-Americans were 32 players selected across first, second, and third teams by United Soccer Coaches. Stanford's Foster Langsdorf and Georgetown's Derek Dodson were named first-team forwards. The list was announced in December 2018 following the college soccer season.

Key Facts

32 total players were named to the 2018 NCAA Men's Soccer All-American teams
First-team included Stanford forward Foster Langsdorf and Georgetown's Derek Dodson
United Soccer Coaches officially released the list in December 2018
Teams were divided into first, second, and third All-American teams
Georgetown and Stanford each had multiple players honored

Overview

The 2018 NCAA Men's Soccer All-Americans represent the top collegiate men's soccer players recognized for outstanding performance during the 2018 season. Selected by United Soccer Coaches, the honor is awarded annually to players across Division I based on skill, consistency, and impact on their teams.

This year's list highlighted a mix of veteran leaders and emerging talents from powerhouse programs and rising soccer schools. The selection process considers statistics, team success, and individual accolades, culminating in a 32-player roster split across three teams.

32 players were named to the All-American teams, with 11 on the first team, 11 on the second, and 10 on the third.
Stanford forward Foster Langsdorf earned first-team honors after scoring 12 goals and leading the Cardinal in offensive production.
Georgetown's Derek Dodson, a sophomore, made first-team with 11 goals and 3 game-winning goals, helping the Hoyas reach the College Cup.
Defensive recognition went to players like Markus Fjørtoft of Georgetown, who anchored a backline with 12 shutouts on the season.
Players from 10 different schools were honored, with Georgetown, Stanford, and Wake Forest leading with multiple selections.

How It Works

The NCAA Men's Soccer All-American selection process is administered by United Soccer Coaches, formerly the NSCAA, using a combination of performance metrics and expert evaluation.

Eligibility: Only NCAA Division I men's soccer players are eligible for selection. Nominees must be in good academic and athletic standing with their institutions.
Nomination: Coaches and athletic departments submit candidates based on season performance. Each school can recommend players from their roster for consideration.
Voting: A national committee of coaches votes using statistics, win-loss records, and head-to-head results. Ballots are submitted in late November.
Criteria: Voters consider goals, assists, defensive stats, winning percentage, and strength of schedule. Individual awards like MAC Hermann Trophy nominations carry weight.
Announcement: The final teams are revealed in early December, shortly after the College Cup concludes. The list is published on the United Soccer Coaches website.
Recognition: All-Americans receive official certificates and are listed in the national records. First-team players are often Hermann Trophy finalists.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2018 All-American teams compare across key categories:

Category	First Team	Second Team	Third Team
Total Players	11	11	10
Forwards	4	3	2
Midfielders	3	4	4
Defenders	3	3	3
Goalkeepers	1	1	1

The distribution reflects a balance between offensive firepower and defensive stability, with forwards and midfielders dominating the first two teams. Goalkeeper representation remained consistent across all teams, emphasizing the importance of netminding excellence in high-pressure seasons. Schools like Georgetown and Stanford had multiple players recognized, indicating strong team performance.

Why It Matters

Being named an NCAA All-American is a career-defining honor that boosts visibility for professional opportunities and national team consideration. It also elevates the profile of both the player and their university’s soccer program.

Recruitment boost: High school recruits often look at All-American honors when choosing a college, enhancing a program’s appeal.
Professional pathways: MLS and USL scouts closely monitor All-Americans; several 2018 honorees were drafted in 2019.
Academic recognition: Many All-Americans also earn Academic All-Big Ten or Scholar All-American status, blending excellence on and off the field.
Historical legacy: All-American lists are archived and referenced in record books, adding to a player’s long-term reputation.
Team validation: Programs with multiple honorees, like Georgetown in 2018, gain credibility as national soccer powers.
Individual awards: All-American status often correlates with Hermann Trophy semifinalist or finalist status, the highest individual honor in college soccer.

The 2018 NCAA Men's Soccer All-Americans reflect a season of exceptional talent and competitive balance, showcasing the depth and quality of collegiate soccer in the United States.