By: Andrew Franco
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Atlantic East Conference has announced this year's Major Awards and All-Conference selections, with seven Saints earning recognition for their performances throughout the 2026 season.
Five Saints earned spots on the Atlantic East All-Conference First Team, while two secured Second Team honors. Marymount's selections were highlighted by Erick Shoetter-Rojas earning Offensive Player of the Year and Alex Rendon Benitez being named Atlantic East Elite Scholar Athlete of the Year.
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Adam Elonai - First Team All-Conference Goalkeeper
A cornerstone of Marymount's record-breaking defense, senior goalkeeper Adam Elonai earned First Team All-Conference recognition after a standout season between the posts. Elonai appeared in all 20 of the Saints' matches, recording 56 saves, a 0.88 goals-against average, and a .778 save percentage. His impact was particularly evident in conference play, where he helped Marymount complete its first-ever undefeated conference season without a tie. Across seven conference matches, Elonai posted a 0.16 goals-against average, a .950 save percentage, and four shutouts while allowing just one goal. A one-time Atlantic East Defensive Player of the Week, Elonai played a vital role in the Saints' historic 601-minute conference streak without conceding a goal and their school-record nine shutouts. His consistency and reliability in goal made him an instrumental part of one of the strongest defensive seasons in program history.
Matthew Guzman-Veizaga - First Team All-Conference Defender / Atlantic East Tournament MVP
A commanding presence along the Saints' back line, Matthew Guzman-Veizaga capped off an impressive season by earning First Team All-Conference recognition and being named Atlantic East Tournament MVP. The defensive leader appeared in 21 matches, earning 20 starts and logging 1,406 minutes on the field. Guzman-Veizaga was instrumental in organizing the Saints' defensive unit, helping establish a school-record 601 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in conference play. His leadership and defensive awareness played a major role in Marymount recording a school-record nine shutouts and completing its first-ever undefeated conference season without a tie. While his primary responsibilities came on the defensive end, Guzman-Veizaga also contributed offensively with an assist during the season. His leadership, discipline, and influence throughout the back line were essential to Marymount's success, earning him one of the conference's top individual honors.
Alex Rendon Benitez - First Team All-Conference Defender / Elite Scholar-Athlete of the Year
A key figure in Marymount's defensive success, Alex Rendon Benitez earned First Team All-Conference recognition after another impactful season with the Saints. The defender appeared in 20 matches, earning 18 starts and playing a significant role in the team's record-setting defensive performances. Alongside his defensive contributions, Rendon Benitez showcased his ability to get involved in the attack, recording two goals on the season. Both goals came during conference play, where he appeared in six matches and totaled nine shots. A one-time Atlantic East Defensive Player of the Week, Rendon Benitez helped anchor a back line that went 601 consecutive minutes without conceding a conference goal and established a new school record with nine shutouts. He was also named Atlantic East Elite Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his outstanding performance off the field and in the classroom. His versatility, composure, and contributions on both ends of the field made him an important part of the Saints' historic season.
Erick Shoetter-Rojas - First Team All-Conference Midfielder / Offensive Player of the Year
One of the most dominant offensive players in the Atlantic East Conference, senior Erick Shoetter-Rojas earned First Team All-Conference recognition and was named the conference's Offensive Player of the Year. A four-time Atlantic East Player of the Week, Shoetter-Rojas delivered another remarkable season, finishing with 14 goals and four assists for 32 total points across 21 matches. His production was especially impressive in conference play, where he recorded nine goals and three assists for 21 points in just seven matches. Shoetter-Rojas also made conference history, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive games. His impact extends beyond a single season, as he climbed to second all-time in Marymount men's soccer history with 34 career goals and third all-time with 62 career points. A tactical playmaker and consistent offensive threat, Shoetter-Rojas played a defining role in the Saints' historic conference campaign, solidifying his place among the program's most accomplished players.
Christopher Nascimento - First Team All-Conference Forward
A dangerous attacking presence for the Saints, Christopher Nascimento earned First Team All-Conference honors following an impressive offensive campaign. The forward appeared in 19 matches, earning 14 starts and recording nine goals and two assists for 20 total points. Nascimento consistently created opportunities in the attacking third, finishing the season with 46 shots and 23 shots on goal. His contributions were equally important during conference play, where he recorded four goals and two assists for 10 points across seven matches. A one-time Atlantic East Player of the Week, Nascimento demonstrated his technical finishing ability and knack for finding the back of the net in important moments. His offensive production and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities made him a key component of Marymount's attack throughout its historic season.
Jorge Lopez-Escobar - Second Team All-Conference Midfielder
A dependable presence in the middle of the field, Jorge Lopez-Escobar earned Second Team All-Conference recognition after playing an important role in the Saints' midfield throughout the season. The midfielder appeared in 20 matches, earning 15 starts and logging 1,001 minutes on the pitch. While his contributions were not always reflected on the stat sheet, Lopez-Escobar provided valuable work in the areas that often go unnoticed, consistently competing in duels, helping maintain possession, and facilitating the Saints' build-up play. His ability to remain composed under pressure and provide stability in the midfield allowed his teammates to operate with confidence across the field. During conference play, Lopez-Escobar appeared in all seven matches, earning seven starts and providing a consistent presence in the center of the pitch. His discipline, awareness, and willingness to do the important work behind the scenes made him an integral part of Marymount's midfield and a deserving Second Team All-Conference selection.
Micah Vogler - Second Team All-Conference Forward
An elite finisher and reliable attacking threat, Micah Vogler earned Second Team All-Conference honors after contributing to the Saints' offensive success throughout the season. The forward appeared in all 21 matches, earning 14 starts and recording eight goals and four assists for 20 total points. Vogler's ability to find the right spaces and capitalize on opportunities made him a constant threat in the attacking third. Particularly dangerous in transition, he consistently used his positioning, composure, and ability to maintain possession under pressure to create problems for opposing defenses. In conference play, Vogler recorded two goals and four assists for eight points across seven matches, showcasing his ability to contribute both as a scorer and a playmaker. Beyond his offensive production, Vogler served as a steady presence and behind-the-scenes leader for the Saints, providing valuable experience and composure throughout the campaign. His consistency, finishing ability, and leadership made him an important part of Marymount's attack and earned him his place on the Atlantic East Second Team.
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