Jan. 16, 2013

STANFORD, Calif. - Alina Garciamendez became the 16th Stanford player named to Soccer America MVP’s first team, the All-America team for the nation’s preeminent soccer publication.

Garciamendez, a senior central defender from Fairview, Texas, was the eighth Stanford player in the past six years to receive Soccer America’s first-team honor.

Also, Rachel Quon, a senior outside back, was named to the MVP’s second team, and the Cardinal’s other outside back Laura Liedle, was named to Soccer America’s All-Freshman second team.

Garciamendez and Quon were team captains, four-year starters on the defensive line and vital to Stanford’s 94-4-4 record, four College Cups and four conference titles during their collegiate careers. Both were first-team NSCAA All-Americans and All-Pac-12 first-team selections.

Garciamendez set a Stanford career record by starting 102 matches – every match of her career – and tied for third on the team in goals, with a career-high six. She scored an overtime winner at USC and an 89th minute winner against Boston University.

Quon had two goals and seven assists and added a dimension to the Stanford attack with her forays into the opponents’ defense. Her winner in the 79th minute at UCLA completed a second-half comeback from a 1-0 deficit and clinched the Pac-12 title for the Cardinal with a 2-1 victory.

Liedle was immediately placed into the starting lineup and had two assists in her first collegiate match, a 6-0 victory over Santa Clara. She was a force all season and was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team.

Soccer America has selected All-America teams since 1988. Previous first-team selections from Stanford were: Marissa Abegg (2008), Nicole Barnhart (2002), Rachel Buehler (2007), Ronnie Fair (1999), Jessica Fischer (1994-95), Julie Foudy (1990-92), Camille Levin (2011), Teresa Noyola (2011), Kelley O’Hara (2009), Alisan Pabon (2002), Christen Press (2009-10), Sarah Rafanelli (1993), Amy Sauer (2001), Lindsay Taylor (2011), Callie Withers (2002).