Huntingdon’s Johannsson named GSAC Men’s Soccer Freshman of the Year

DECATUR, Ga. – Huntingdon freshman Atli Johannsson was named the Great South Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year on Thursday.

The GSAC announced its men's soccer awards Thursday afternoon and will present the awards on Saturday during the GSAC tournament in LaGrange, Ga.

"Atli, by far, has been our most consistent player this season," Huntingdon head coach Kevin Ray said. "He is one of the best players I've ever recruited to this school. After nearly every game, opposing coaches commented about how he played. It's a nice honor for him to get this award from the conference coaches."

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Iceland native was also named to the All-Freshman team and the All-Conference team.

Despite a 4-11-2 record this season, Huntingdon has been competitive in almost every game. Of the Hawks' 11 losses, only three have been by more than two goals. Ray said Johannsson was a big reason for that.

"As a defender, he doesn't have a lot of stats," Ray said. "He didn't have one goal or one assist this season, but having him back there on defense made a huge difference. Even though this hasn't been a winning season for us, his play has helped us be competitive."

The Hawks return to action on Friday in the GSAC semifinals. Huntingdon plays Piedmont at 5:45 p.m. The winner advances to the tournament championship at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

2011 GSAC Men's Soccer Award Honorees

Player of the Year: Brian Beckham, Maryville
Freshman of the Year: Atli Johannsson, Huntingdon
Coach of the Year: Pepe Fernandez, Maryville

All-Conference
Brian Beckham (Maryville), Sidney Smith (Piedmont), Travis Bolton (Maryville), Nick Weatherby (Piedmont), Aristote Pierre (LaGrange), Tom Webster (Maryville), Ridge Carter (Maryville), Tyler Tinker (Maryville), Matt Hudnut (Covenant), Tyler Morrison (Covenant), Atli Johannsson (Huntingdon), Justin Whitaker (Piedmont), Brian Gaid (Piedmont), John Robertson (Maryville), Brock Morris (LaGrange)

All-Freshman

Atli Johannsson (Huntingdon),Sean Yoder (Maryville), Payne Fisher (Maryville), Hunter Harrison (Covenant), David Letcho (Maryville), Ian Meredith (Covenant), Connor Lockridge (Piedmont)