Monmouth University senior defender R.J. Allen (Old Bridge/St. Joseph’s) has been selected to take part in the 2012 MLS (Major League Soccer) Player Combine, that concludes this week in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Allen joins former Hawks Hugh MacDonald, Bryan Meredith and Ryan Kinne as recent Monmouth players to participate in the combine, which precedes the Jan. 12 MLS SuperDraft.
“I am happy for R.J.,” said Monmouth head coach Robert McCourt said in a press release. “He has had an outstanding season once again. R.J. is fully deserving of this MLS combine invite. He is one of the top right backs in college soccer.”
Allen earned his second-straight All-American honor and thirdstraightAll Region First Team honor this season, in addition to a thirdstraight All-NEC honor. The senior defender was instrumental on both ends of the field, compiling 10 points on two goals and six assists, while thwarting countless scoring opportunities by the opposition. Allen’s penalty kick goal against Mount St. Mary’s helped the Hawks clinch their unprecedented seventh-straight NEC regular season championship, while he also made pivotal penalty kicks in shootout victories over Central Connecticut in the NEC Tournament and Stony Brook in the NCAA Tournament. In the preseason, Allen was named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List.
Allen finished his collegiate career with 37 points on seven goals and 23 assists. He scored five gamewinning goals and helped the Hawks to three-straight NCAA Tournament appearances and two NCAA Second Round games. Allen helped Monmouth to four-straight Northeast Conference Regular-Season Championships and three-straight NEC Tournament Championships.
“R.J. has had a tremendous career,” said McCourt. “He works so hard at his craft. He is a role model for all future Monmouth Soccer players and student-athletes. R.J. also graduates a semester early with a 3.0 GPA. His commitment to be an All- American student-athlete has been amazing.”