The University of Scranton men's soccer team had seven student-athletes earn All-Landmark Conference honors, as announced by the conference office today.
Scranton's honorees include Landmark Defensive Player of the Year
Drew Paxson, along with six first team selections, and the Landmark Coaching Staff of the Year.
The Royals captured their fourth Landmark title with a 1-0 victory over Moravian on November 7 and will open NCAA Tournament play this Saturday against Manhattanville in Middletown, CT.
Drew Paxson – Defensive Player of the Year / First Team Defender
- Drew Paxson collects his second straight First Team All-Conference honor and was named the Landmark Defensive Player of the Year.
- Paxson anchored a defensive unit that allowed just two goals in Landmark play and ranks second in the nation in goals against average (0.32).
- He also tallied eight points on three goals and two assists, showcasing his ability to provide an offensive spark from the back line.
- Paxson becomes the third Royal in program history to earn Landmark Defensive Player of the Year honors and the second consecutive recipient, following Logan Campbell last season and Jake Nubbemeyer in 2021.
Alex Kozdron – First Team Defender
- Alex Kozdron earns All-Conference honors for the second time after playing an integral role in the Royals' success on both ends of the field.
- Kozdron distributed a conference-best eight assists and recorded two goals to match his career high with 12 points.
- His composed presence and playmaking ability helped drive the Royals' attack while providing stability along the back line.
James Mayo – First Team Defender
- James Mayo earns All-Conference recognition for the second time following another strong campaign on the Royals' back line.
- Mayo tallied four goals, including three game-winners, demonstrating his ability to produce in crucial moments.
- Mayo helped power a defensive unit that ranks among the nation's best, leading the Landmark with 13 shutouts and ranking second in the country in shutout percentage (0.684).
Justin Scavalla – First Team Goalkeeper
- Scavalla earns All-Conference honors for the first time after allowing just four goals all season and leading the Landmark in goals against average, save percentage, and shutouts.
- The junior keeper enters the NCAA Tournament leading the nation with a 0.23 goals against average while also ranking fifth in save percentage (0.886), establishing himself among the top goalkeepers in Division III.
- He has also recorded 11 shutouts, which is tied for third in the country, while leading a defensive unit that ranks second nationally in shutout percentage, goals against average, and tied for eighth in save percentage (0.846).
Matt Capretto – First Team Forward
- Capretto earns All-Conference honors for the second time after pacing the Royals' offensive attack.
- He led the team with 16 points on seven goals and two assists, including two game-winning goals, highlighting his impact and consistency on the front line.
- Capretto finished third in the conference in points and goals while tying for fourth in game-winning goals, showcasing himself as one of the Landmark's top scoring threats.
Luke Roberto – First Team Midfielder
- Luke Roberto earns First Team All-Conference for the first time after a strong two-way performance in the midfield.
- He totaled four goals and two assists for 10 points while starting all 18 matches, ranking third on the team in points and tied for third in goals.
- His consistency and versatility helped fuel the Royals' attack on both sides of the ball.
Rob Patrissi – Honorable Mention Midfielder
- Rob Patrissi earned All-Conference honors for the first time after providing a consistent presence in the midfield.
- Patrissi started all 19 games and recorded one assist while helping the Royals maintain balance on both sides of the field.
Coaching Staff of the Year
Head Coach:
Andy Loughnane
Assistant Coach:
Cody Elliott
- Scranton's staff earned Landmark Coaching Staff of the Year for the second consecutive year and fourth in program history. This marks Loughnane's second career coaching staff honor.
- The Royals went a perfect 9-0-0 in Landmark play for the first time in program history before capturing their fourth Landmark Conference Championship and first since 2022.
The Royals will open the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, facing Manhattanville at 1:30 PM in the First Round at host Wesleyan (Ct.).