Wisconsin Soccer Central

Axel Sjoberg was a vital player for the Marquette men's soccer team last fall, both on the backline and in attack.

The 6-foot-7 Swede was honored by Soccer America, as the center back was one of only two players on the publication's All-Freshman first team.

Sjoberg anchored a defense that posted 10 shutouts and gave up just 17 goals in 21 matches, and also was second on the team with eight goals and added three assists.

Meanwhile, Creighton senior defender Andrew Ribeiro (Green Bay Notre Dame) was a second-team selection on the 37th annual Soccer America MVPs team. The awards honor players who had the biggest impact on their team's success, regardless of position, meaning the publication ranked Ribeiro among the nation's top 23 players.

Ribeiro led the Blue Jays (17-4-3) in minutes, logging all but 47 minutes during a season that saw them advance to the NCAA College Cup semifinals for the second straight year. The central defender scored three goals, all game-winners, and added one assist while leading a backline that allowed 0.83 goals per game.

Former University of Wisconsin coach Todd Yeagley was named Soccer America's Coach of the Year after leading Indiana to its eighth national championship and its first College Cup final four appearance since 2004.

• Viterbo junior forward Steph Wisen, who set school records for assists in a season (16) and career (28) and also scored 12 goals, was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America NAIA All-Midwest Region team.
• Jeff Ornes (Madison West), Edgewood College's career leading scorer, will be one of five athletes inducted into the school's Hall of Fame on April 19. Ornes, a two-time NAIA all-district pick and the 1995 Lake Michigan Conference Player of the Year, had 37 goals and 95 points in his career from 1992 to '95. The Edgewood College Hall of Fame inducts new members every three years, and has enshrined 24 individuals and one team since 1993.
• Former Marquette goalkeeper Natalie Kulla will receive the 66th annual McCahill Award, presented annually to the Marquette senior student-athlete from the previous year who demonstrated the highest performance in scholarship, leadership and athletics. She will be the sixth women's soccer player to receive the award when she is honored at halftime of the Golden Eagles men's basketball game Jan. 26 against Providence at the Bradley Center.