Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

PHILADELPHIA -- University of Delaware senior men’s soccer standout, midfielder Darren Christie, has been named to the Philly Soccer News' Men’s College Best XI announced on Dec. 30.

Joined by 10 other local sensations and an eleventh honorable mention, Christie was selected as one of three midfielders named to the squad.

In December Christie was named an Eastern College Athletic Conference Division I Second Team All-Star selection and additionally received National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division I All-South Atlantic Region Third Team laurels. Christie’s All-Region selection is one of 38 in program history and serves as the first since Brad Philips was recognized on the Second Team in 1996.

Aided by his performances this season, Christie was invited to train with D.C. United of Major League Soccer in December and is now a free agent signing to D.C. United.

"It has been a terrific year for Darren and he has had a number of deserved accolades pour in over the last few months," praised fourth-year head coach Ian Hennessy. "He will graduate in May, but I am sure will continue to be an ambassador for the school's name in the professional ranks in the years ahead.

"He will also serve as a player whom others considering our program at UD can aspire to, as a place for a great education and a viable place for future professional players, which with the growth of the MLS, is becoming more and more an increasing dream for college players," concluded Hennessy.

Christie was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team announced by the conference office on November 12. A third team All-CAA honoree a year ago, Christie tallied nine goals and a pair of assists to lead the Hens to finish tied for eighth in the league. The Huntsville, Ala. native helped Delaware to a 7-12 season, the most wins since the Blue Hens’ 2001 team, under direction of head coach Marc Samonisky, went 7-11-1 while in the American East Conference. Four of Christy’s team-high nine goals served as game winners.

Following a freshman season at Alabama A&M, Christie recorded a total of four goals and four assists during his sophomore and junior seasons at UD.

Christie is joined by GK Brett Mollon, Temple; D Pat Selwood, Bucknell; D Jake Levin, Penn; D Chris Christian, Villanova; M Fabio Assumpcao, Drexel; M Mike Seamon, Villanova; F Jason Yeisley, Penn State; F Conor O’Brien, Bucknell; F J.T. Noone, Temple; F Ryan Richter La Salle; M Matheus Braga, Penn State.