Soccer Places Two on 2019 AAC All-Tournament Team
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) has announced the 2019 AAC All-Tournament Team, and two student-athletes from Reinhardt have been selected by the league for their efforts during the Eagles' postseason run.
Aaron Whitten, recently selected as the 2019 AAC Offensive Player of the Year, was honored for his tournament play at the forward position. Whitten had a record-breaking season for the Eagles and has earned conference, regional and national recognition for his performance this year.
Whitten, hailing from Locust Grove, Ga., scored 24 goals and three assists for 51 points in 2019. His 17 goals in AAC competition dismantled earlier records for both the AAC and the Reinhardt program. As the regular season drew to a close, Whitten ranked No. 2 in the nation in goals and No. 2 in game-winning scores with six. He ranked sixth nationally in points and points per game within the NAIA as well. Whitten, an AAC All-Conference First Team selection, also collected NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week honors – his second national award of his career.
Additionally, Whitten was also named AAC Offensive Player of the Week on three occasions this season.
Leonardo Fagioli, a junior defender, was also selected for his outstanding play on both sides of the ball during the AAC Championship. Fagioli, an AAC All-Conference First Team selection in 2019, provided leadership at the back for the Eagles with his consistency and quality.
Fagioli scored a beautiful head goal against Truett-McConnell (Ga.) to help preserve an AAC quarterfinal victory. His hard, defensive edge, strong technical talent and work ethic was not only evident in tournament play but throughout the 2019 season as well.
The Eagles completed the 2019 season as the second-ranked defense in the AAC with a 1.0 goals-against average per match.
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