Somow, Takahashi and LaRosa earn United Soccer Coaches All-American Honors

Herkimer Generals men’s soccer standouts Ali Somow, Manabu Takahashi and Max LaRosa were recently named United Soccer Coaches All-Americans. The trio all were vital pieces to the Generals National Runner-up finish while going 12-2 on the season.

Freshman Ali Somow has collected numerous awards this season including NJCAA All-American, Region III Player of the Year, All-Region team and first team Mountain Valley Conference. Somow finished the season leading the nation in assists with 17 while scoring 4 goals. Head Coach Pepe Aragon said “Ali is a dominant winger with exceptional speed and skill.  He has attracted the attention of several NCAA division I schools.”

Sophomore Manabu Takahashi excelled in goal for the Generals this season. Takahashi posted 5 shutouts on the season with 52 saves. Takahashi shined in the national tournament, especially in the Generals opening game against Sussex County Skylanders. The Generals and Skylanders took a 1-1 tie to penalty kicks in the quarter finals with the season on the line. Takahashi recorded 4 saves and scored a goal to lead the Generals to a 3-1 advantage to advance to the semi-finals. Aragon went on to say, “Manabu is one of the best keepers in the country.  He organized our defense the whole season and made big time saves in crucial games.”

Freshman Max LaRosa was named to the Men’s Scholar All-America Team. LaRosa posted a 3.71 GPA while Studying Business Administration. In addition, LaRosa was named to the All-Region team and was named to the Mountain Valley Conference for the second straight season. In addition, LaRosa was named Mountain Valley Conference Player of the Year. Aragon said, “Max is a versatile player who played defensive center middle forward, center back and left and right wing back this past season. He was rock solid for us this season and is an exceptional student-athlete.”

Ali, Manabu and Max will be receiving their awards at the United Soccer Coaches National Soccer Convention in Kansas City on Saturday, January 22 at 1:00pm at the All-American ceremony and reception.  The ceremony recognizes every National All-American from High School through NCAA Division I.

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2021 United Soccer Coaches NJCAA D-III All-America Teams

2021 United Soccer Coaches Junior College Men’s Scholar All-America Teams