Hall, Betz named All-Americans

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast's Jordan Hall was named to the NJCAA's Division I Men's Soccer All-American First Team on Monday, and keeper Owen Betz is on the Third Team.

"For us as a program to have two All-Americans, it says a lot about what we're doing," Gulf Coast coach Chris Handy said. "I'm happy for the kids and happy for the program. I feel like we're doing the right things. I like to see our kids rewarded when they play well and represent our school well."

No other MACJC school had a player on the list. Gulf Coast was one of seven schools with two All-Americans, and none had more.

Hall, who also earned United Soccer Coaches Division I All-American Second Team honors last week, finished tied for third in the country with 29 goals. The sophomore from Manchester, England, was named to the NJCAA All-American Second Team and the USC All-American First Team last year when he finished second in the country with 28 goals.

"He's done a lot for us, and he's worked really hard," Handy said. "He's being rewarded for it. As a program, we're super proud of him. He brings a lot of attention to who we are and what we do."

Hall said he's still narrowing down his choices of four-year schools.

"I'm not as shocked as last year," Hall said. "This says a lot about our group of sophomores and how far the program has come in the last two seasons."

Betz, a sophomore from St. Stanislaus, went 13-3-1 this year with a 1.34 goals-against average. He transferred in from NCAA Division I Northern Kentucky this year.

"I'm super happy for Owen," Handy said. "I think he's been really good for us. He's a kid who really deserves it."

Betz is committed to play next year at NCAA Division I Florida Gulf Coast.

"I'm honored, but at the same time slightly disappointed," he said. "I play to be the best at what I do. Third team isn't the best, but nonetheless, I'm very appreciative and honored."

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