Herkimer Generals men’s soccer players earn postseason honors from NJCAA, United Soccer Coaches

Herkimer County Community College men’s soccer players Alex Charles and Ali Somow have earned postseason honors for 2020-21.

Charles, a sophomore forward from Christ Church, St. Kitts, was named to the First Team of the Division III men’s soccer All-American NJCAA teams. He is also one of only 25 student-athletes throughout all three divisions named to the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Men's All-America Team for 2020-21.

Charles, who came to the College from Saddlers Secondary School to pursue a degree in sports and recreation management, had three goals and four assists this season. He was also named the College’s Green and Gold athlete for the month of April and earned a position on the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American team.

“Alex was a tremendous leader both on and off the field for us this past spring,” said head men’s soccer coach Pepe Aragon. “He exemplifies what a true student-athlete should be.”

Charles will be continuing his collegiate athletic career at Division I St. Francis University in Pennsylvania.

Somow, a freshman midfielder from Utica, NY, was named to the NJCAA All-American Second Team. He came to the College from Proctor High School to pursue a general studies degree.

Somow scored one assist and eight goals for the Generals this year, including three game-winning goals.

“Ali was a huge part of our offense this season,” Aragon said. “He came in as a freshman and made an immediate impact.

I am so proud of both of these guys. They are class acts.”

The men’s soccer team advanced to the National Semifinals this year after a 5-1 win against Monroe College, but ultimately fell to the Camden County College Cougars after a tight double-overtime matchup. The Generals ended the 2020-21 season with a 6-2-1 record and No. 4 NJCAA ranking.