Syracuse Men’s Soccer Team Awards

The Syracuse Orange men’s soccer team has wrapped up its season on a high note by honoring six standout players at their annual award ceremony. Under the guidance of head coach Ian McIntyre, who continues to lead the program with remarkable success, the team celebrated individual contributions that have propelled the squad throughout the season.

Most Improved Player: Garrett Holman

Sophomore defender Garrett Holman has made significant strides this season, earning the title of Most Improved Player. Hailing from Hamburg, New Jersey, Holman played a crucial role by starting in all 19 matches he participated in, accumulating a total of 1,609 minutes on the field. His development was highlighted by scoring his first career goal during a 2-0 victory over California on September 27. Holman follows in the footsteps of recent honorees like Andre Cutler-DeJesus, Jackson Glenn, and Tomas Hut, underscoring his remarkable growth and dedication.

Rookie of the Year: Landon Darko

Freshman midfielder Landon Darko made a splash in his inaugural season, earning the Rookie of the Year award. Making his debut during the home opener against Connecticut, Darko showcased his potential with an impressive performance. He had his first career start against Stanford, where he played 41 minutes. By the end of the season, Darko tallied three goals and two assists, contributing a total of eight points. Previous Rookie of the Year winners like Chimere Omeze and Ryan Raposo have set a high bar, but Darko’s talent certainly indicates he’s on the rise.

Golden Boot: Carlos Zambrano

Carlos Zambrano claimed the Golden Boot as the leading scorer for the Orange, racking up 13 points through five goals and three assists this season. The senior from Miami, Florida, was a consistent presence on the field, appearing in all 20 matches and making 11 starts. A standout moment in Zambrano’s season was his hat-trick against Colgate, which not only showcased his scoring ability but also aided McIntyre in securing his impressive 251st win. Zambrano achieved unique scoring feats as well, finding the net with two Olimpico goals this season. This award has previously been given to notable players like Nate Opoku and Levonte Johnson.

Most Valuable Player: Tomas Hut

Goalkeeper Tomas Hut was recognized as the Most Valuable Player for the season, an accolade well-deserved given his stellar performances. Playing every match, Hut made a remarkable 76 saves, breaking his career-high for saves in a game on three occasions. His most impressive performance came during a critical ACC playoff match against the No. 4-ranked NC State, where he made nine saves. Hut’s contributions have not gone unnoticed; he was named to the All-ACC Third Team and the ACC All-Tournament team and has received the CSC All-America Academic Award. His recent draft selection by Red Bull New York for the 2026 MLS SuperDraft highlights his promising professional prospects.

Dean Foti Award: Kyle Jansen

The Dean Foti Award honors the player who positively influences the team’s spirit, and this year, that accolade went to sophomore Kyle Jansen. Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, Jansen has demonstrated an unwavering team spirit throughout the season, both in practices and matches. Recent recipients of this award include Stephen Betz and Stephen Hasse, reinforcing the importance of camaraderie and positivity in athletic environments.

SUcceSS Award: Santiago Frias

Lastly, the SUcceSS Award went to Santiago Frias, recognizing his courage, determination, and selfless attitude towards his teammates. The graduate student made his Orange debut against Connecticut, appearing in 12 matches throughout the season. Frias joined the program after playing at UAlbany and Akron during his undergraduate years, highlighting his diverse experience in collegiate soccer. He has made a lasting impression, accumulating two career goals and a total of 45 matches played across his collegiate career. This award has previously celebrated players like Noah Singelmann and Julio Fulcar.

For those interested in following the journey of the Syracuse men’s soccer team, updates are available on social media platforms, including their Facebook page and X (formerly Twitter). With a rich tapestry of talent and dedication highlighted in these awards, the future looks bright for the Orange soccer program.