Dec. 1, 2006
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Three Fairfield University men's soccer student athletes received All-Region honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) as the organization released its annual post-season honors. Senior Alex Cunliffe (Lanchashire, England), junior Tom Skara (Greenwich, Conn.), and junior Sam Bailey (Cheshire, England) were awarded the prestigious prize for their role in the Stags' historically-successful season.
Cunliffe earned a spot on the All-North Atlantic Region first team after he finished the 2006 season as the team's top scorer with 20 points. The midfielder tallied eight goals and four assists in his 21 appearances, including one game-winning goal. He played exceptionally well in the 2006 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament, enough so that he collected the tournament most valuable player award. Cunliffe was also a member of the All-MAAC team as a midfielder. He will participate in the Major League Soccer (MLS) combine with the hopes of continuing his soccer career next season.
Skara, who picked up the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year award in 2006, received All-North Atlantic Region second team accolades after he anchored one of the nation's top defenses. Under his guidance, the Stags allowed just 19 goals in 22 games and posted six shutouts. He was also a contributor up front during the campaign, picking up one assist. Skara was also a member of the All-MAAC team as well as the MAAC all-tournament team this year.
Bailey garnered a spot on the All-North Atlantic Region second team as a forward. The junior placed second among his teammates with 16 total points, recording six goals and four assists. Five of his six goals this year were game winners, a statistic which led the team. The forward was one of only three players to appear in all 22 games this season. Bailey earned a spot on the All-MAAC team, and was a member of the MAAC all-tournament team.
The Fairfield University men's soccer team, under head coach Carl Rees, tied the school record for wins in a season by posting a 15-6-1 overall record. The Stags earned national rankings throughout the season, reaching as high as 15th in the nation. Fairfield captured the 2006 MAAC regular season and tournament title which placed them in the NCAA tournament. The team won a first-round game against the University of Connecticut, before falling to 20th-ranked Towson University in the next round.
