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JACKSONVILLE – Stetson men’s soccer concluded its regular season on a high note, clinching multiple accolades as they claimed three out of the five major postseason awards from the ASUN, in addition to securing their first regular season title since 2017, marking a significant achievement in the program’s history.
Senior midfielder Charles Ahl was honored with the prestigious ASUN Player of the Year title, becoming only the third player in the program’s history to receive this accolade, and the first since Jonathan Mendoza’s victory in 2011. Ahl, hailing from Winter Park, Florida, demonstrated his playmaking abilities with two goals and an impressive five assists this season, marking the third consecutive year in which he has surpassed the five-assist threshold. His exceptional performance has also earned him recognition as one of only six Hatters to achieve the status of a three-time All-ASUN honoree, underscoring his consistency and impact on the field.
Clarence Loriot, a formidable newcomer from France, was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year. This recognition places him alongside Ian McCauley (2019) as well as three other distinguished Hatters who have previously garnered this honor. Loriot’s commanding presence on the backline was instrumental in fortifying Stetson’s defense throughout the season, contributing to a remarkable run that included three shutouts and a coveted top seed finish. Notably, Loriot also netted the decisive goal in a crucial draw against Bellarmine, a moment that secured Stetson’s positioning in the playoffs.
Graduate goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli earned the distinction of Goalkeeper of the Year, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s success. The Milan, Italy native started in 14 matches, amassed 48 saves from 145 shots faced, and tallied three shutouts, showcasing his reliability and skill in the goalkeeping position. Radaelli’s contributions have been a foundational element of Stetson’s strong performance this season.
The Hatters celebrated numerous All-Conference selections, reflecting their team strength and individual talent. Both Ahl and Loriot were selected for the ASUN First Team, while leading goal-scorer Maurice Hauser, Csato, Andres Rodriguez, and Radaelli distinguished themselves on the Second Team. Freshman duo Andre Casas and Benjamin Donato earned spots on the All-Freshman Team, with Casas achieving a unanimous selection, emphasizing his outstanding debut season. Additionally, Csato’s exemplary academic performance garnered him a place on the Academic All-ASUN Team, achieving a remarkable 3.8 GPA in Business Administration, showcasing the balance of athletic and academic excellence.
With a total of six All-Conference selections this season, Stetson has now reached an impressive milestone of 72 All-Conference honorees in the history of the program. The Hatters are poised to leverage their regular-season triumphs as they approach the ASUN Championship, targeting the coveted title.
Heading into the ASUN Championship as the top seed, the Hatters will enjoy a first-round bye. They will face the winner of the matchup between #4 Central Arkansas and #5 Queens on Monday. Stetson is eager to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of the tournament championship title.
**Interview with Charles Ahl, ASUN Player of the Year**
**Editor:** Congratulations, Charles, on being named the ASUN Player of the Year! How does it feel to receive this prestigious honor?
**Charles Ahl:** Thank you! It feels amazing to be recognized for my hard work and dedication this season. It’s a great honor, especially since I’m only the third player in Stetson history to receive this award. It reflects not just my individual performance but also the support from my teammates and coaching staff.
**Editor:** You had quite an impressive season with two goals and five assists. Can you tell us a bit about your playmaking style and what you focus on during matches?
**Charles Ahl:** I always try to read the game and anticipate where I can create opportunities for my teammates. For me, it’s not just about scoring; it’s about contributing to the team’s success. I focus on technical skills and making smart decisions under pressure, which I think helps create a dynamic offense.
**Editor:** Stetson hasn’t claimed the regular season title since 2017. How significant is this accomplishment for the program and for you as a senior?
**Charles Ahl:** It’s incredibly significant! Winning the regular season title shows how far we’ve come as a team. It’s a culmination of our hard work and teamwork. As a senior, it makes this final year even more special, and I’m proud to have played a part in this achievement.
**Editor:** You’ve now been recognized as a three-time All-ASUN honoree. What does this achievement mean to you, and how do you maintain that level of performance year after year?
**Charles Ahl:** It’s a testament to my development as a player, but it wouldn’t be possible without the support from my teammates and coaches. I always strive to improve my game, whether it’s through training, studying opponents, or working on my fitness. Consistency is key in any sport, and I try to bring my best to every game.
**Editor:** Let’s talk about your teammate, Clarence Loriot, who was named the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year. How crucial has his presence been on the field?
**Charles Ahl:** Clarence has been a game-changer for us. His defensive skills and leadership at the back have provided stability we needed. That goal he scored against Bellarmine was a huge moment for our team, and his ability to perform under pressure has really helped us secure our playoff position.
**Editor:** What’s next for you and the team as you head into the playoffs?
**Charles Ahl:** We’re focused on keeping this momentum going. The playoffs are a different challenge, but we believe in each other and our preparation. Our goal is to keep pushing forward and aim for the championship. We’re ready to give it everything we’ve got!
**Editor:** Best of luck to you and the team, Charles! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us today.
**Charles Ahl:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
