From Brandeis University Athletics
Brandeis University men's soccer senior back Ben Applefield ofAvon, Conn., earned his first career All-America honor in December. The captain was named to the D3soccer.com Third Team.
Applefield led the University Athletic Association with 10 assists this season, finishing with the fourth-highest point total on the Judges despite playing left back. He also assisted the team's lone goal in an NCAA Tournament second-round win over Roger Williams on November 17. The senior had two goals on the campaign, including the game-winner in a 4-0 win at Case Western Reserve University on Oct. 5. Applefield also earned Eastern College Athletic Conference All-New England second-team honors.
Applefield finished his career as the Judges' career leader in games played (83) and started (82). He had six goals and 20 assists for 32 career points. He was the 14th player in school history with 20 career helpers.
In head coach Mike Coven's 41st season on the sidelines, the Brandeis men posted a 16-5-1 record in 2013. The Judges advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III men's soccer tournament for the second year in a row. Brandeis hosted the first two rounds of the tournament and defeated Johnson and Wales University, 3-0, and Roger Williams University, 1-0, before falling to eventual Final Four team Williams, 2-0, in the sectional round. The Judges finished the season ranked No. 15 in the nation by the final NSCAA Division III poll and No. 18 by D3soccer.com.
Applefield is a 2010 graduate of Avon High School. He is the son of Dean and Deb Applefield, Avon, Conn.