Morgan Brian Named Soccer America Women's Player of the Year

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Jan. 9, 2014

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Virginia junior midfielder Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.) was named the 2013 Soccer America Women’s Player of the Year, the magazine announced Thursday. It is the second national player of the year award for Brian, who was also honored by TopDrawerSoccer.com. She is the first national player of the year in program history.

Brian was also named a first-team Soccer America MVP, along with sophomore forward Makenzy Doniak (Chino Hills, Calif.). First-year goalkeeper Morgan Stearns (San Antonio, Texas) was named to the Soccer America All-Freshman First Team.

Brian tied for the ACC scoring lead this season with 46 points on 16 goals and a league-high 14 assists. A first-team NSCAA All-American, she tied the Virginia single-season assist record. Brian scored in all four of the Cavaliers’ NCAA Tournament victories as she led the team to its first College Cup appearance in 22 years. Brian was a first-team All-ACC selection for the third consecutive season, in addition to being named to the ACC All-Tournament Team and the All-NCAA Tournament Team. She also made three appearances for the United States Women’s National Team in 2013, scoring her first international goal against Mexico on Sept. 3.

Doniak tied her teammate for the ACC scoring lead with 20 goals and six assists for 46 points. Her 20 goals tied the Virginia single-season record. She was a first-team NSCAA All-American and a first-team All-ACC selection.

Stearns set the Virginia single-season record with 19 wins in goal this year. She posted a 0.66 goals against average and recorded nine shutouts.

The final national award of the season will be presented on Friday as Brian will attend the Hermann Trophy banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis. She is one of three finalists for the award, presented to the nation’s top collegiate player.