WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- Niels Larson and Travis Exstrom, the offensive and defensive cornerstones of a young, resurgent men's soccer team at Whitman College, have earned All-Northwest Conference honors in an end-of-the-season vote of coaches.
Larson (Portland OR, Lincoln HS), a freshman forward, was one of only two first-year players who earned first-team all-NWC honors. Larson led Whitman in scoring with nine goals and two assists. He tied for eighth in the conference scoring race.
Exstrom (Issaquah WA, Redmond HS), a sophomore goalkeeper, earned honorable mention recognition. He led the conference in saves, averaging 6.40 per game, while shutting out the opposition six times. He surrendered just one goal -- on a penalty kick -- in his last four starts.
As a team, the young Missionaries won four of their last five games to put the finishing touches on their most successful season in years. Whitman, which had just one senior on the roster this fall, finished with a 9-11 season record.
Whitman coach Mike Washington says Larson and Exstrom are two reasons why the Missionaries have a bright future.
"Niels has shown great ability for a young player, and yet he hasn't let it go to his head," Washington said. "He's definitely become our go-to guy. He thrives on the pressure situations, seems to enjoy the attention of being tightly marked, and doesn't mind the physical side of the game. He's also great at beating defenders in one-on-one situations. Niels knows he needs to improve parts of his game, and we will focus on those points during our spring workouts."
As a goalkeeper, Exstrom made major improvements this fall compared to his freshman season, when he served primarily in a backup role to a pair of older keepers, Washington said. "Travis came into our preseason training camp and blew everyone away. Our other keeper, Nate Davis, was hobbled with injuries during the season, so Travis took it upon himself to step up and cover for Nate. Travis has developed into a very strong keeper who thrives on pressure situations. He has great technique, and he's helped his defenders become more focused as well."
