KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A year after becoming the first Carleton College men’s soccer player to be an All-America selection, defender Robert Carlton (Sr./Madison, Wis./Memorial) once again received the honor as he was tabbed to the 2009 NSCAA/Performance Subaru NCAA Division III All-America Team.
He was the only Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) performer on the All-America team and is among 10 players to earn repeat honors in the 42 named to the squad. He was once again a second-team selection.
“In my 20 plus years as a player, assistant coach, and head coach in the MIAC, Robert is clearly one of the most tactically astute defenders to play in our league,” said Carleton head coach Bob Carlson. “Despite playing injured for much of 2009, his ability to direct his teammates, read an opponent’s movements, and step in at the right moment to repel an attack is uncanny.
“He’s a complete player, and his attacking skills refined as well. He’s gifted with exceptional touch, great vision, and the ability to spring his teammates with a well-placed driven ball over distance.”
Other post-season accolades for Carlton include 2009 MIAC Player of the Year honors as well as NSCAA All-Region first-team for the third consecutive season.
Carlton anchored the Knights defense that ranked fifth in NCAA Division III with 13 shutouts in 20 games. The team was 22nd in the nation with a 0.63 goals against average, permitting only 13 goals all season. Additionally, the Knights paced the MIAC in shutouts, goals against average, and fewest goals allowed.
“Our team is thrilled for Robert. He is above all else, a great teammate. And his team-first attitude is one of the top reasons for our program’s unprecedented success during his distinguished four-year career,” Carlson said.
The senior class propelled the Knights to three consecutive MIAC regular-season crowns. That led to the program’s first three conference playoff appearances and the team’s trip to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2008 NCAA Championships. As a group the seniors went 57-14-8 (.772) during their time at Carleton, easily the most wins in school history. The 2009 campaign that saw the Knights go 15-5 included the second-most wins in team annals and a school-record 12-match win streak.
“As I said last year, and Robert echoed again when I told him he’d earned another spot on the All-American team, he sees the honor as a reflection of the skills and talents of his fellow Carleton Knights. A gentleman, a scholar and a winner, Robert inspires his teammates and coaches, and his positive impact on our program will be felt for years,” said Carlson.