KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Tuesday afternoon, the United Soccer Coaches (USC) announced their 2024 Women's Soccer All-Region teams. The Falcons earned five honors in Region V, with
Kristina Akselsen and
Brittany Laird being named to the first team.
Tahlia Lloyd,
Thea Neimond, and
Jenna Skurcenski all earned second team honors.
The MAC Commonwealth Offensive Player of the Year and first-team selection,
Brittany Laird earned All-Region First Team honors after leading the Falcons offense throughout the season. Laird led the Falcons and the MAC Commonwealth with 35 points and 17 goals, and she also tallied an assist. Laird also finished tied for first in the MAC Commonwealth with four game-winning goals. Laird also tallied a career-high four goals in the Falcons 9-0 win over Stevenson University in the MAC Commonwealth Semifinals.
Kristina Akselsen earned first team honors after another season helping lead the Falcons midfield. Akselsen finished the season with 18 points on seven goals and four assists. Akselsen helped the flow of the offense by drawing the attention of opposing defenders that led to many goals for the Falcons throughout the season. Akselsen totaled a season-high four points with a goal and two assists, in the Falcons win over Gordon College in the NCAA First Round.
Tahlia Lloyd earned a second team nomination after leading the Falcons defensive midfield all season. Lloyd started all 23 games and tallied three goals. Lloyd's impact in the defensive midfield kept other teams from advancing the ball up the field and often started many offensive possessions for the Falcons.
Two defensive leaders for the Falcons earned second team honors, with
Thea Neimond and
Jenna Skurcenski earning the selections. Neimond tallied a goal and five assists on the season and Skurcenski added three assists. Both veteran leaders started all 23 games for the Falcons, while helping the Falcons hold opponents to only 11 goals on the season.
