---Beattie's offensive spark was a major part of NKU's success during the 2008 season.

By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Two Northern Kentucky University men's soccer players were honored as a part of the 2008 NSCAA/adidas All-America team. Steven Beattie and Tony Ray each garnered first-team honors.

Also, Beattie and Ray were selected to the All-Midwest Region first team, while Eric Ashworth earned a spot on the second-team.

Beattie, a sophomore from Skerries, Ireland, continues to rack up the awards after being selected as the Ron Lenz National Player of the Year as well as the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Beattie broke NKU's single-season scoring record by netting 21 goals over the course of the season. Beattie currently stands eighth all-time at NKU with 32 career goals, 14 short of Chad Scott's 46 markers between 1992 and 1995.

Ray, a senior from Louisville, Ky., was also named a second-team Daktronics all-region selection and a first-team All-GLVC performer. Ray was a pivotal part of the offense early in the season, tallying six assists quickly over the course of the season, but later displayed his defensive prowess, helping the Norse among the tops in the nation in team goals allowed.

Ashworth, a senior from Centerville, Ohio, found himself a significant part of the offense late in the season, scoring four of his five career goals during the 2008 campaign, including a key goal late in the first half against Ashland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Ashworth also performed as a part of the "Norse Wall" in the center-back position, limiting opposing attacks and turning the Norse up field. Ashworth was selected as a third-team Daktronics All-American.

NKU finished the season at 16-3-4, advancing to the NCAA National Semifinals for the first time in program history. The Norse won their third consecutive Midwest Region championship.