BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — WKU Soccer had four players earn United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-Region Team honors, announced by the organization. Ambere Barnett was named to the first team, Avery Jacobsen was named to the second team, and Lyric Schmidt and Katie Erwin were named to the third team of the All-South Region.
"In an historic season celebrating 20 years as a program and our first Conference USA title, I could not think of a more fitting narrative than to also have four players named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team," said head coach Jason Neidell. "What's incredibly special about these awards is that they are voted on by opposition coaches. That respect is complete validation to our players of their commitment and sacrifice during a very challenging year."
Four members earning USC All-Region honors is the most for the WKU program in its history. The Lady Toppers were joined by 19 other C-USA members on the All-South Region teams.
Barnett was named the Conference USA Player and Midfielder of the Year in April along with being named to the C-USA All-Conference First Team for third consecutive season. This is her second time earning USC First Team honors after receiving the accolade last season as the youngest Lady Topper to do so. The Rockport, Indiana native ended the season in the top 40 nationally in four different statistical categories (0.654 shot accuracy – 25th; 0.67 goals/game – 32nd; 1.89 shots on goal/game – 38th; 1.56 points/game – 40th).
Jacobsen earned C-USA All-Conference First Team honors in April and Schmidt was named to the All-Conference Second Team. Jacobsen and Schmidt were a crucial part of the WKU backline, acting as the spine. The Lady Toppers gave up the second fewest goals in program history in the spring and shut out five teams. The backline also only allowed 8.1 shots per game and only 3.7 on goal per game.
Jacobsen had a stellar match against Middle Tennessee early in the spring season, scoring her first career goal and assisting on the game-winner against the Blue Raiders. The Las Vegas, Nevada native had two assists on the season and is the only Lady Topper to have played every minute of the spring campaign.
Schmidt set up one of the most important goals of the season, notching an assist on Erwin's game-winning goal in the 90th minute against Charlotte to clinch the C-USA East Division title. The Kingsport, Tennessee native took a free kick for the Lady Toppers in the final minutes of the match. After the set piece wasn't there, Schmidt launched the ball towards the back of the crowd in the box, perfectly finding Erwin. Erwin finished it off to give the Lady Toppers a 1-0 lead with only seconds remaining in the match.
Erwin finished the spring season with three goals and one assist for seven total points on the season. Both her point total and goal total are third on the team. In addition to her game-winner against Charlotte, the Louisville, Kentucky native also scored two goals against FIU, scoring all three of her goals in conference play.
How to follow the Lady Toppers: For complete information on WKU Soccer, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKU_Soccer on Twitter and Instagram.
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