Gonzalez, Morse Earn All-Conference Recognition

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Senior midfielder Raul Gonzalez and freshman midfielder Jackson Morse have been recognized by the American Athletic Conference for their accomplishments this season. Gonzalez was named Second-Team All-Conference while Morse was named to the All-Rookie squad.

"It's always an honor to have Memphis be represented on the All-Conference teams," said head coach Richard Mulrooney. "It not only represents the individual, but the University and the teammates that play with them."

This is the third time in his career that Gonzalez has earned recognition from The American. As a freshman, he was named to the All-Rookie team before earning First-Team All-Conference honors in 2015.

Gonzalez earned starts in 10 contests this season including in all seven conference matches as he struggled with an injury early in the year. He finished with three goals for the Tigers with two assists. Upon returning from his injury, Gonzalez was the go-to player for penalty kicks where he successfully went 2-for-2 this year.

For his career, Gonzalez finished with 13 goals and 13 assists. He was a perfect 4-for-4 in penalty kick conversions and in all, played in 65 matches for the Blue and Gray.

"After suffering an injury that lingered into the season, I thought Raul did a good job of finishing the season strong and was very worthy of an all-conference selection," added Mulrooney. "I couldn't be happier for Raul to finish his senior year like this as his impact on Memphis soccer will not soon be forgotten."

Morse had an outstanding freshman campaign as he led the Tigers with six goals scored. Throughout the season, Morse was recognized multiple times for his efforts on the field. After his strong performance with two goals against RV/No. 25 UConn, Morse was just the second Tiger to earn Offensive Player of the Week honors since Memphis joined the conference in 2013. He also was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week that same week as well as was named the HERO Sports Men's Soccer HERO of the Week.

Three of his six goals were game-winners for the Tigers and he played and started in every match as a freshman. Morse led all freshmen in total minutes and finished fourth overall on the squad.

"I couldn't be happier for Jackson as he came in from day one proving his worth on and off the field," said Mulrooney. "Being a freshman and having the impact that he had on our team was a huge piece to our success this year and I believe it's only going to get better as the years go on for Jackson."

The Tigers finished the season with an 8-8-1 overall record and 2-4-1 mark in American Athletic Conference play. For updates throughout the off-season, follow the men's soccer team on Twitter (@MemphisMSoccer) and Facebook (@MemphisSoccer).

First-Team All-Conference
Matias Pyysalo, M, UCF
Adam Wilson, M, Cincinnati
*Kwame Awuah, M, UConn
*Abdou Mbacke Thiam, F, UConn
Jake Nerwinski, B, UConn
Nazeem Bartman, F, USF
Prosper Figbe, B, USF
Lindo Mfeka, M, USF
Spasoje Stefanovic, GK, USF
*Jorge Gomez Sanchez, F, Temple
Carlos Moros Gracia, B, Temple

Second-Team All-Conference
Patrick Nielsen, B, Cincinnati
Simen Olafsen, B, UConn
Raul Gonzalez, M, Memphis
Joonas Jokinen, F, Temple
Melvin Becket, F, USF
Jordan Cano, B, SMU
Mauro Cichero, M, SMU
Jake McGuire, GK, Tulsa
Matt Puig, F, Tulsa
Ray Saari, M, Tulsa
Zack Stavrou, B, Tulsa

All-Rookie Team
Brian Jamba, M, UCF
Ryan Melink, M, Cincinnati
Patrick Nielsen, B, Cincinnati
David Sanz, M, Cincinnati
Niko Petridis, M, UConn
Munir Saleh, M, UConn
Jackson Morse, M, Memphis
*Garrett McLaughlin, F, SMU
Albert Moreno, M, Temple
*Alejandro Chavez, B, Tulsa
Matt Puig, F, Tulsa

Offensive Player of the Year
Matias Pyysalo, UCF

Defensive Player of the Year
Prosper Figbe, USF

Midfielder of the Year
Adam Wilson, Cincinnati

Goalkeeper of the Year
Spasoje Stefanovic, USF

Rookie of the Year
Garrett McLaughlin, SMU

Coaching Staff of the Year
USF

Team Fair Play Award
(Determined by fewest accumulation of points)
Foul-1pt.; Yellow card-5 pts.; Red card-10 pts.
UConn (108 pts. in conference play)

[*] denotes unanimous selection

University of Memphis Athletics

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Raul Gonzalez

Jackson Morse

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