KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the first time since 2007, the Northwestern College men’s soccer program have National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American performers. For the first time in program history, a Raider has been named to an All-American team in Third Team performer Marcel Lengert; as James Bolger becomes the tenth Honorable Mention All-American in program history.
The season destined for the record books continues to gain attention as Lengert and Bolger become the first All-Americans since the 2007 season – the last time the Raiders went to the NAIA national tournament. The two helped guide Northwestern to tying the most wins in a season with 16, ending the season 16-4-1 overall and 10-1 mark in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play.
Marcel Lengert – Third Team All-American
Lengert (So., Siegen, Germany/Prince Johann Moritz Gymnasium) – 2021 GPAC Defensive Player of the Year – continues to rack up accolades in just his sophomore season in a Raider uniform, being the first Raider in program history to land All-American nod on one of the three teams.
“I am extremely pleased to see the recognition that Marcel is receiving for his contributions to our team this past season. For him to be named third-team All-American shows that he is one of the top defenders in the nation,” commented Swier. “He is also the first player in program history to be named 1st, 2nd or 3rd team All-American, which is a remarkable feat. The entire coaching staff is proud of Marcel and feel that he is deserving of this honor.”
The Siegen, Germany native played in 19 of the 21 matches of the season, starting 18 of them and playing a total of 1,593 minutes. From his defender position, he tallied two shots on the season with both being on goal.
James Bolger – Honorable Mention All-American
Bolger (Jr., Boyle, Republic of Ireland/Abbey Community College) continues to add to his honors, after being named a First Team All-GPAC Midfielder back in November with his NAIA Honorable Mention All-American nod.
“James is a top player. He does so many little things well, but shows up in big moments, too,” said Swier. “James developed into a great leader on the field this fall, which propelled our team to achieve great things. We couldn’t be happier for him.”
The Boyle, Republic of Ireland native started all 21 matches on the season and playing 1,386 minutes for Swier and company. He sat tied for third on the team with five goals from his midfielder position. Notching one assist, bringing his season point total to 11. Taking 37 shots on the year with 20 of them being on goal for a .541 shots-on-goal percentage, picking up two game-winning goals.
Lengert and Bolger mark the first two All-Americans head coach Dan Swier has coached in his 14 seasons leading the Northwestern men’s soccer program.
“These accolades certainly mean a lot to these two young men and to our program. Our goal this season was to qualify for the national tournament. All the individual honors that our players are receiving are by-products of us achieving our goal,” concluded Swier. “We hope this is a springboard for continued success as a team in the seasons to come.”
Of the previous four seasons that featured Raider All-Americans, the last three all featured multiple Raider athletes.
