3.21.2012

FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University senior Shane Johnson|Ashburn (Broad Run), a four-year standout defender on the men's soccer team, recently agreed to terms for the 2012 season with the Richmond Kickers of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Pro Division.  Johnson started 70 of 71 matches during his career with the Lancers, totaling three goals and six assists for 12 points, including one game-winning goal while leading a defense that registered 17 shutouts over the past four seasons.

“This is a great achievement for Shane and a feather in the cap for the Longwood Athletics Department to have one of our own make it into the professional ranks,” said seventh-year Longwood men's soccer head coach Jon Atkinson.  “Shane is fully deserving of his success and has grown into an accomplished soccer player.  I have full faith that Shane will do exceptionally well under the tutelage of Leigh Cowlishaw at the Kickers, and we wish him continued success.”

Johnson helped the Lancers to a record of 11-6-3 this past fall, including the Atlantic Soccer Conference (ASC) Tournament Championship.  He earned All-ASC first team honors as a senior after garnering second team accolades as a junior.  Johnson was also named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) University Division Scholar All-East Region second team as a senior, and is a three-time Longwood Scholar-Athlete Award winner.

The Kickers will begin their 2012 campaign on April 7 at home against Charleston (S.C.) at City Stadium in Richmond at 5 p.m.