Main Story

Central Connecticut State’s Santiago Marin Gutierrez and Miguel Gonzalez earned the Northeast Conference’s top men’s soccer honors: Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, respectively. Both made the All-NEC First Team, joining Carter Fitzgerald on the All-NEC Second Team and Alen Kaptenovic on the All-Rookie Team. The recognition comes as CCSU heads into its first NEC Tournament appearance since 2013.

By the Numbers
  • Marin Gutierrez: 23 points, 10 goals and 3 assists in 16 games.
  • Gonzalez: Helped CCSU post a 1.13 goals-against average and 6 shutouts.
  • Fitzgerald: 59 saves and a 1.12 goals-against average in 15 appearances.
  • CCSU: 3rd seed; plays No. 2 seed FDU at 3 p.m. Nov. 12.
Yes, But

CCSU’s honors reflect strong contributions across its roster, but its tournament path starts with a road semifinal against FDU. The Blue Devils will need to turn their regular-season performance into a postseason win to advance.

State of Play
  • CCSU earned its first NEC Tournament berth since 2013.
  • The other semifinal features top-seeded LIU hosting Mercyhurst.
What's Next

The NEC semifinals begin Nov. 12, with CCSU visiting FDU. A win would send the Blue Devils to the tournament final.

Bottom Line

CCSU’s major award winners give the Blue Devils momentum and a clear postseason opportunity—but their breakthrough season will be defined by what they do next.