Engel named All-Region

University of Wisconsin-Superior men’s soccer player Nate Engel, a junior midfielder from Maple Grove, Minn., became the first Yellowjacket to receive all-region honors when he was named to the All-North Region third team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Engel, a team captain, appeared in every game for the Yellowjackets in 2012.

UWS went 12-6-2 and finished second in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the highest finish for a Yellowjacket team since the WIAC began recognizing soccer as a conference sport in 2009.

“Nate was so consistent for us all season long and it seemed like whenever something good was happening for us on the field, he was in the middle of it,” UWS coach Joe Mooney said. “If we needed offense, he wasn’t afraid to step up and be that person. If we needed a big defensive play in the middle of the field, he was there. Everything we asked of him we got this season.”

Engel tied his career highs in goals (3), assists (2) and points (8) in 2012. He started the season by being named to the all-tournament team at the Advantage Emblem Cup and closed it by being named All-WIAC first team for the second time. He also received first-team honors following his freshman season in 2010.

“In addition to everything he did on the field, he also did a tremendous job of leading our team,” Mooney said. “He wasn’t afraid to say something when it needed to be said and wasn’t afraid to take the team on his shoulders and lead by example when needed. It’s exciting for me as a coach to know that we will have Nate back again next season.”

For his career, Engel has played 60 games for the Yellowjackets, scoring seven goals and six assists for 30 points.

Tags: sports, uws, yellowjackets, soccer, updates