Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Men's Soccer	SIUE Men's Soccer SIUE Athletics

Mike Banner Kevin Thibodeau

December 12, 2005 Banner, Thidodeau Named All-Americans          EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s soccer players Mike Banner (Washington, D.C.) and Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles, Mo.) have been named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Men’s Division II All-American team.          The Cougars ended their season with a 16-3-3 mark, a Great Lakes Region Championship, and a trip to the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer national semifinals for the second year in a row and the third time in five years.          “It is nice for one team to garner two All-Americans,” said SIUE men’s soccer coach Ed Huneke. “They worked hard for it and they are fortunate.”          Banner, a forward, was named to the first team after leading the team with eight goals and 71 shots. Banner ranked second with on the team with 19 points. Banner posted three game-winning goals on the season. He netted the game-winner in the NCAA Quarterfinals against Carson-Newman. The other three forwards named to the first team each netted at least 20 goals with more than 60 points on the year.          “While his stats are not as high as the others, his flare and dynamic play on the field attracts votes from coaches who know his dangerous ability to set up players,” said Huneke.          Thibodeau, who was also the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year, collected second team honors. Thibodeau led a defense that allowed 12 goals and a 0.52 goals against average while setting a new school record with 13 shutouts. Thibodeau netted one goal adding two assists with 25 shots on the season.          “In addition to being a great defender, Kevin has the ability to go forward and contribute offensively with his excellent read of the game and skill level,” said Huneke.                   -siue cougars-