JMU roundup: Soccer player earns top honor

Daily Staff Reports - sports@nvdaily.com

The Virginia men's soccer Rookie of the Year honor belongs to James Madison University freshman Bjarki Aðalsteinsson.

The all-state recognitions, voted by members of the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association, included Aðalsteinsson and Dukes senior midfielder Paul Wyatt on the All-Virginia First Team.

Aðalsteinsson was an All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team and CAA All-Rookie Team selection in 2012. Nationally, he was tabbed to College Soccer News' All-Freshmen Second Team. During the week of Sept. 16, he earned Eastern College Athletic Conference Player of the Week and CAA Rookie of the Week honors for his defensive efforts in a 1-0 win over top ranked North Carolina.

He's only the second player in JMU history to earn the VaSID rookie honor, joining CJ Sapong, who was the award in 2007.

Wyatt, a 2011 All-America selection, was a four-time All-CAA honoree and was named to the NSCAA All-South Atlantic Region First Team twice. He was the Dukes' leading scorer with nine goals and 21 points and finished his career ranked 12th all-time at JMU in goals (28) and 17th in points (67).

Virginia Commonwealth junior Jason Johnson was selected Player of the Year and VCU coach Dave was named Coach of the Year.