KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan senior men's soccer player C.J. Brown was one of 11 to earn a spot on the Premier Development League (PDL) All-Central Conference team. Representing the Kalamazoo Outrage, Brown played in 13 of the team's 16 games this season.

"I am delighted for C.J. to be honored in this way," said WMU head coach Stu Riddle. "There are some magnificent players on the Central Conference team and C.J. fully deserves to be included. I was in attendance at the majority of the Outrage's home games and thought he had a marvelous PDL season despite playing in an unfamiliar full back role. Having coached in the PDL I know that these types of awards are garnered from nominations of the opposition coaches so that is a testament to his performances this summer."

Brown will be one of two seniors this fall for Western Michigan, who looks to improve on its 6-10-1 record in 2009. The 5-6 Tecumseh, Mich., native tallied seven goals and three assists in his first three seasons at WMU, playing the majority of his career in the midfield. Brown switched roles to a defender for the Outrage, this his first summer with the PDL club.

It is the second year in a row a Bronco has garnered all-conference PDL honors. Former WMU striker Tom Oatley was a Central Conference selection for the Outrage last year, as well as one of three finalists for the league's MVP award.

Operated by the United Soccer Leagues, current NCAA student-athletes are able to play for PDL teams during the summer months while still maintaining collegiate eligibility. While players do not receive payment, the PDL prides itself on the "professional" atmosphere of the league. There are 67 teams competing in four conferences, eight regions, across the United States and two Canadian provinces.

"C.J. has the potential to be a big player for us this fall and I hope this accolade inspires him to make the absolute most of his senior year in college and perform at his maximum potential," added Riddle.

Western Michigan reports for preseason training camp Aug. 15. The Broncos play Lewis University Aug. 21 and Kalamazoo College Aug. 28 in exhibition matches and open the 2010 season with Concordia at home Sept. 1.

 

Click here to read all-conference USL news release from USLsoccer.com.