Dec. 21, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State freshman Spencer Thompson (Shelby Twp., Mich./De La Salle) was named to the All-Freshman Second Team by national publication Soccer America. He was one of 22 freshmen - and one of only three from Big Ten schools - to receive national recognition. Soccer America made the announcement on Friday, Dec. 21.

Thompson started 19 matches for the Spartans this season, playing a key role in MSU's run to the NCAA Tournament. Thompson scored two goals and had two assists on the season and ranked fourth on the team with 22 shots. He scored the game-winner in MSU's 1-0 victory over No. 3 Notre Dame on Oct. 10, and added another goal four days later in Michigan State's 5-0 win over No. 21 Michigan. His assists came in a 2-1 win over New Hampshire and a 2-2 tie with Penn State.

"We are extremely pleased with the outstanding freshman season Spencer had," MSU head coach Joe Baum said. "He is a hard worker who brings his best effort to every match and practice."

Being named to Soccer America's second team All-Freshman team is the latest in a long line of honors for Thompson. He was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team and to the Top Drawer Soccer All-Rookie second team. He was Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 15, and received national player of the week honors from Soccer America. He has also been honored by Soccer Times and College Soccer News this season.

Corben Bone of national champion Wake Forest was named National Freshman of the Year by Soccer America. Northwestern's Piero Bellizzi and Indiana's Danny Kelly were the other two Big Ten freshmen to receive recognition.

The Spartans, who spent five weeks in the NSCAA/adidas national rankings, finished 11-6-4 this season and hosted an NCAA Tournament match on Nov. 24. MSU's season ended with a 2-1 loss to Oakland.