ARNOLD, MD – Two members of the Anne Arundel Community College men's soccer team were named to the 2022 NJCAA Division III Men's Soccer All-America Second Team, it was announced this week. Sophomores Sam Adams and Raphael Arias both earned the national honor for the first time in their careers.
Adams served as the Riverhawks' center midfielder, starting all 17 games in 2022. On paper, he recorded a goal and two assists, but AACC's transition and offense went through Adams all season. Thanks in part to his efforts, the Riverhawks were one of 28 teams in the NCAA with a double-digit goal differential (+12). In two seasons with AACC, Adams started 31 of 33 games and was never issued a card. Adams is a two-time All-Region 20 honoree, and was twice named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team.
"Sammy is our quiet leader on the field," said Head Coach Nick Cosentino. "When your best player is your hardest worker, picks up cones and helps moves goal, the team will be successful. He is a versatile center midfielder who sees the field, knows the game and is one of the most consistent midfielders we have had in the past 20 years," he added.
Arias started all 16 games in which he played in 2022, anchoring the Riverhawks' defense at center back. The Riverhawks' defense allowed just 31 goals – or 1.84 per game - on the season, ranking 27th in the NJCAA. In Division III only games, AACC's goals against average dropped to 1.67. Arias also added to the Riverhawks' offense, netting two goals and four assists, including assisting the game-winning goal in the Region 20 semifinals. In two seasons with the Riverhawks, Arias started the final 39 of 40 games played, totaling six goals and four assists. He is a two-time All-Region 20 selection.
"Raphael has been our leader in the back the past two years," said Cosentino. "He is a hard-nosed, physical, athletic defender who never gives up and plays hard every minute. He is strong in the air and is one of the fiercest competitors we have ever had," he added.
Anne Arundel won the Region 20 and District championships and advanced to the NJCAA national tournament for the second-straight season. The Riverhawks finished with an 11-6 record, hitting double-digit wins for the first time since 2016. Against Division III opponents, AACC went 4-2 with a pair of shutouts, outscoring opponents 12-10.