Matt Vatne of CWRU Named to Men's Soccer All-America Second Team
Case Western Reserve University senior Matt Vatne was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-America Second Team as announced by the organization on Thursday.
Vatne, who received All-America Third Team selection last season, becomes just the second Spartan to earn two All-America honors in his career, joining former Spartan Vinny Bell. Bell earned Third Team honors in 2010 and Second Team honors in 2011. Including Bell and Vatne, five CWRU men's soccer student-athletes have been named All-Americans by the United Soccer Coaches, formerly NSCAA. Chris Cvecko was named to the Second Team in 2015, Niro Wimalasena was a Second Team honoree in 2011, and Matt Paglia was named to the Third Team in 2007.
Earlier this week, Vatne became the first player since Bell to be named to back-to-back All-Region First Teams. Vatne is also the fourth player in program history to earn three All-University Athletic Association First Team selections after receiving the honor this season, joining former Spartans Bell, Cvecko, and Mark Ruegsegger.
Vatne started every match for Case Western Reserve in 2023, leading the team with 16 points on four goals and a team-high eight assists. For his career, Vatne played in 68 matches, making 58 starts, and scored 17 goals with 19 assists. His 53 career points are eighth most in program history and his assist total ranks fourth in Spartan history. Vatne was also the conference's Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Following a 1-1 draw and shootout loss to sixth-ranked Cortland in the team's NCAA Second Round matchup, the Spartans ended the 2023 season with a record of 10-3-4, matching their mark from last season. Case Western Reserve was making its second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history and fifth appearance overall.