Kinney and Irwin Named to Scholar All-America Teams

ELON, N.C. – Elon men’s soccer stars Steven Kinney and Clint Irwin added to their lengthy list of achievements, recently being named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Scholar All-America second team. The two were also recognized on the 2009 NSCAA Scholar All-South Region first team. Kinney, a defender, and Irwin, the Phoenix keeper, led Elon to its first-ever appearance in the Southern Conference Tournament championship game in November.

Holding a 3.7 GPA as an accounting major, Kinney completed his degree in December and was invited to the Major League Soccer Player Combine to be held in January. During his four years in the Elon uniform, Kinney helped the squad to 28 shutout performances. The Norcross, Ga., native was recognized first-team all-conference for three consecutive years and was also a three-time second-team NSCAA All-South Region selection. Kinney has been a part of the NSCAA Scholar Region and All-America teams for each of the last two years. In 2009, he became the first-ever Elon men’s soccer player to be named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America third team. 

After three years in the maroon and gold uniform, Irwin already holds the top spot on Elon’s career shutout list. With a 2-0 shutout over College of Charleston in the semifinals of the SoCon Tournament, Irwin moved into a tie for first place with 19 career clean slates. Irwin and the Phoenix recorded 10 shutouts in 2009, the most by any league team. His 0.88 GAA was also tops in the SoCon and ranked 44^th in the country. The keeper was named first-team All-Southern Conference and first-team NSCAA All-South Region. Irwin holds a 3.37 GPA as political science major. 

(Courtesy elonphoenix.com)