Dec. 14, 2006

Final Top 25 Poll

Soccer America MVP Team

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Junior midfielder David Roth (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade), who helped Northwestern come within one win of advancing to the 2006 NCAA College Cup, was one of 11 players nationwide named to the 2006 Soccer America Men's College MVP team -- the equivalent of a first-team All-America honor.

And in recognition of Northwestern's memorable run in the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats finished ranked No. 8 in the final NSCAA/adidas Top 25 poll -- the highest ranking in the program's history and the highest of all the teams in the Big Ten. The Wildcats began the season 7-1 -- the best start in club history -- and picked up great wins along the way against the likes of Hofstra, UC Irvine, Ohio State and Northern Illinois. After a heartbreaking loss to Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament, Northwestern went on a tear in the NCAA's, picking up wins against Cincinnati (3-0), at No. 7 Saint Louis (1-0), UNC Greensboro (2-1) before losing at eventual national champion UC Santa Barbara by one goal, 3-2.

A 2006 First-Team All-Big Ten and All-Great Lakes Region selection, Roth led the team lead this season with 21 points on eight goals and five assists. One of the most balanced players in the Big Ten and in the country, Roth also led the team with four game-winning goals, none bigger than his goal from 30 yards out in the 1-0 upset win at No. 7 Saint Louis in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in front of his hometown family and friends.

"Dave really carried the team early in the year and capped off a great year with an incredible goal in his hometown against Saint Louis in the NCAA Tournament," head coach Tim Lenahan said. "His great enthusiasm and incredible personality have helped to make this program what it is. It is great to see Soccer America recognize his contribution to our success."

Roth finished second in the Big Ten in points per game (0.95) and fourth in goals per game (0.36) and assists per game (0.23). His four game-winners were tied for first as Wildcats were a remarkable 10-1 this year when Roth recorded at least one point in goal or assist fashion. He was named the Big Ten Player of the Week on Sept. 11 after he scored three goals in two games at the Adidas/Baymont Inn Invitational. And with one year still remaining, he is Northwestern's all-time assists leader with 25 in only three seasons.