Soccer laurels to Husson rookie

Midfielder Adam Heaslewood, who led Husson College to its first NAIA District 5 soccer playoff victory since the 1970s, has been named the Maine Athletic Conference’s Co-Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

Heaslewood shared Player of the Year honors with senior midfielder Peter Grosso, who guided the University of Maine-Farmington to the district’s eastern championship.

The University of New England’s Doug Biggs is the Coach of the Year. He led UNE to the conference’s regular-season title.

Heaslewood, a native of Mendlesham, England, was Husson’s top scorer with 12 goals and 11 assists. He also controlled games with his midfield play.

“I was surprised,” said Heaslewood. “It’s nice to be recognized by the coaches for the way I played. I just tried to go out and enjoy myself. I was happy with the way things went this year.”

He credited Coach Mitch Ellisen and his Husson teammates for making the award possible.

“They accepted me and listened to me if I had a suggestion to make,” said Heaslewood. “There was a very good bond between us. That’s why we had a good season.”

Ellisen said Heaslewood “has fantastic technical and tactical abilities and a tremendous work ethic.”

Grosso had three goals and two assists. “He is our field general. He controls the midfield for us,” said UMF coach Bob Leib.

Headlining the list of other All-MAC selections were UMPI junior striker Darren Clukey, 23 goals and seven assists, and UMF senior midfielder Matt Duffy, 10 goals and three assists.

MAINE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ALL-STAR SOCCER TEAM Co-Players of the Year: Adam Heaslewood, Husson; Peter Grosso, UMF Rookie of the Year: Heaslewood, Husson Coach of the Year: Doug Biggs, UNE Forward – Robin Gronvold, UMF, sophomore Forward – Eric Duclos, UNE, sophomore Forward – Jay Fogg, Thomas, junior Forward – Darren Clukey, UMPI, junior Midfield – Heaslewood, Husson, freshman Midfield – Matt Duffy, UMF, senior Midfield – Grosso, UMF, senior Midfield – Tony Perry, UNE, sophomore Fullback – Al Tripp, Husson, senior Fullback – Kelly Cates, UMF, senior Fullback – Dave Long, UMF, junior Fullback – Jeff Nardone, UNE, senior Goaltender – Jeff August, UNE, senior