Senior defender Robel Desta (Addis Abeba, Ethiopia/Springbrook {MD}) and senior forward Shane Lowery (Boonsboro, MD/Boonsboro) of the Shepherd University men’s soccer team were recently named to the 2012 National Soccer Coaches of America (NSCAA) Division II All-Atlantic Region team. Desta gained first team honors, while Lowery was a second team selection. Both players gained All-Region accolades for the second time in their careers.

Desta, who is the first Shepherd player to win first team honors since Jamie Richie in 2002, was a third team All-Region choice in 2010. He started in all 19 games for the Rams. Desta recorded one goal on the year. He helped anchor a defense that recorded nine shutouts and allowed only one goal in two contests.

Lowery, who earned second team honors in 2011, was a repeat selection on the second team. He started in all 19 games for the Rams. He led the team in goals (9), scoring (21 points) and tied for the team lead in game-winning goals with three. His three assists were second on the team.

Shepherd completed the season at 9-9-1 with a 5-4-0 conference mark.