Marshall University Athletics
Al-Samarraie, Gibson and Barbera Make All-MAC Team
11/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Al-Samarraie, Gibson and Barbera Make All-MAC Team
11/15/2004
CLEVELAND - The Mid-American Conference announded the All-MAC team at the men's soccer championship this weekend, which featured three Marshall University players.
Senior Firas Al-Samarraie (Malmoe, Sweden) made the All-MAC First Team. Firas finished the season third on the Thundering Herd in scoring with four goals and three assists.
This was the first time Al-Samarraie made the All-MAC team since his freshman season of 2001 when he was named to the second team All-MAC.
Another senior, Mike Barbera (Huntington, WV) was named a second team All-MAC defender for his efforts this season. He was the Herd's most solid defender and scored the first goal of his career in the Herd's 3-3 tie at Pittsburgh.
His efforts helped the Marshall defense establish itself as one of the top in the MAC. The Herd finished third in goals against average in conference games and also was third in conference goals allowed.
Forward Kirk Gibson (Allen, TX) rounds out Marshall's selections for the team. He was named a second team All-MAC forward. He finished the season ranked second on the team in points with 12. He had four goals and a team-leading four assists.
Gibson helped lead one of the most potent offenses in the league. With his help, the Herd led the league in goals (36) and goals per game (1.80).
"I am very happy that our team got some representation on the team this year," Herd coach Bob Gray said. "It shows some respect from the conference and the voters."
Gray was proud of the players who made the team and their accomplishments. "It is great that Firas finally got a break, he has been solid for us since he got here," Gray said. "Barbera may just be the most underrated player in the league, it is great to see his defensive skills finally being recognized. Kirk had another solid year for us and it was good to see him get some recognition."
