What Is 2019 NCAA Men's Soccer All-Americans

Overview

The 2019 NCAA Men's Soccer All-Americans represent the most elite collegiate players from the Division I season, as recognized by United Soccer Coaches. These honors are awarded annually to players who demonstrate exceptional performance, leadership, and consistency throughout the campaign.

Selections are based on individual statistics, team success, and overall impact on the field. The 2019 list highlights a mix of offensive stars and defensive stalwarts from programs across the country, with standout representation from national contenders like Stanford and North Carolina.

• 36 total players were named to the First, Second, and Third All-American Teams following the 2019 season.
• United Soccer Coaches is the official body responsible for selecting All-Americans each year based on season-long performance.
• Stanford defender Tanner Schmidt earned First Team honors, anchoring a defense that allowed just 0.71 goals per game.
• North Carolina forward Brian Brown made the First Team after scoring 13 goals and adding 5 assists in 21 appearances.
• The list includes players from 22 different schools, with Stanford and North Carolina each placing two on the First Team.

How It Works

The NCAA Men's Soccer All-American selection process combines statistical excellence, team success, and peer evaluation by coaches across the nation. United Soccer Coaches reviews nominations and votes to finalize the three-tiered honor list each December.

• Term: First Team All-American status is awarded to the top 11 players in the nation, one per position, based on votes from Division I coaches.
• Second Team includes the next 11 highest-rated players, often featuring elite performers from non-top-ranked programs.
• Third Team honors the following 11 players, recognizing breakout seasons and consistent high-level contributions.
• Voting eligibility is restricted to head coaches of United Soccer Coaches member institutions, ensuring peer-reviewed credibility.
• Performance metrics such as goals, assists, goals against average, and minutes played are heavily weighted in evaluations.
• Team success in the NCAA Tournament often boosts individual candidates, with 2019 honorees from 12 tournament teams.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the First Team All-Americans by position, school, and key stats from the 2019 season.

The table illustrates how All-Americans were distributed across conferences and positions, with forwards dominating the First Team. Western Michigan and Denver each placed one player, highlighting the national reach of the selection process beyond traditional powerhouses.

Why It Matters

Being named an NCAA All-American is one of the highest individual honors in college soccer, often serving as a springboard to professional careers and national team consideration.

• Professional pathways opened for several 2019 honorees, including Brian Brown, who signed with Major League Soccer.
• Recruiting impact increases for programs that produce All-Americans, boosting visibility and athlete recruitment.
• Individual accolades like All-American status enhance a player's draft stock in MLS and international leagues.
• School pride and legacy grow when athletes earn national recognition, strengthening program reputations.
• Historical benchmarks are set, as All-American lists become part of a program’s long-term record and tradition.
• Coaching recognition often follows, as head coaches of honored players receive attention for player development.

For student-athletes, the 2019 All-American list represents the pinnacle of collegiate achievement, blending athletic excellence with academic eligibility and competitive integrity. These honors endure as career milestones and affirm the depth of talent in NCAA men's soccer.