Dec. 12, 2006

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Mark Blades (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Ignatius), a freshman defender for the Northwestern men's soccer team, was named to the 2006 College Soccer News Freshman All-America Third-Team on Tuesday (Dec. 12). Blades becomes the third Wildcat freshman in the past four years to be honored.

"All of our four freshman letterwinners had a big impact on our success this season and it is great to see Mark recognized," head coach Tim Lenahan said. "He began the season as our left back and was outstanding. Because of some injuries within the team, he moved to outside right midfielder and really showed his versatility and two-way ability throughout our NCAA Tournament run to the Elite Eight."

Blades, the 2005 Ohio Player of the Year, was part of the 21st best freshman class in the country according to College Soccer News. He started all 22 games at either the defender or midfield positions, helping NU reach the NCAA quarterfinals -- one win from the 2006 NCAA College Cup. Blades scored one goal, notched two assists and helped anchor a defense that recorded eight shutouts.

The Lakewood, Ohio native established himself early and often in the Wildcat backline. In the opening weekend he picked up Lakeside Classic MVP honors as NU defeated Hofstra and Dayton. Blades' quickness, speed and athleticism in the back smothered the opposition's attack throughout both games and continued that trend throughout the season. Blades recorded his first point as a Wildcat Sept. 24 against Penn State when he assisted on a goal late in the second half. He then tallied his first career goal in the win over Valparaiso. He tallied his other assist in the Big Ten opening round match with Penn State.

Blades joins Gerardo Alvarez (Aurora, Ill./Marmion Academy), who also was named to the third-team in 2003 and David Roth (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade), who was selected to the second-team in 2004.