Following a vote by the conference's ten head coaches, the Liberty League has announced the 2026 Men's Soccer Major Awards and All-League teams.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nicholas Petrone, Senior, Midfielder, St. Lawrence University
St. Lawrence University senior midfielder Nicholas Petrone was named the Liberty League Player of the Year, marking the third time since 2022 that a Saint has earned the honor. Petrone piloted the St. Lawrence offense this season with a team-best seven goals and nine assists for 23 points. He recorded three or more points on five occasions, including a season-high four points with two goals against Clarkson. He paced the conference in total points, points per game (1.44), and assists, while also ranking among league’s top five in assists per game (2nd, .563), goals (T-4th), and goals per game (5th, .438). In eight games of conference play, Petrone recorded 11 points on four goals and three assists. He contributed a goal and an assist in the Liberty League semifinals, propelling the Saints to their fourth conference championship game appearance since 2021.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Zach Amato, Sophomore, Goalkeeper, St. Lawrence University
St. Lawrence University sophomore Zach Amato was recognized as the Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Saints goalkeeper since 2023 to earn the distinction. Amato has enjoyed a standout sophomore campaign, compiling an 11-1-4 overall record with a 0.58 goals-against average and a .873 save percentage. He went unbeaten during the regular season (10-0-4) and recorded seven shutouts. Against conference opponents, he posted a 5-0-3 mark and four clean sheets as he helped the Saints capture their first Liberty League regular-season title since 2022. Amato leads all conference goalkeepers in goals against average and save percentage, while ranking second in shutouts (seven), third in saves per game (3.88), and fifth in total saves (62).
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Bodie Smith, Forward, Clarkson University
Clarkson University first-year forward Bodie Smith was selected as the Liberty League Rookie of the Year. Smith hit the ground running for the Golden Knights, appearing in 16 games and making 14 starts this season, while leading the team offensively. He scored 10 goals and dished out two assists for 22 points. His 22 points were the most by any Clarkson player since 1998 and his 10 goals were the third-most by a Clarkson first-year in program history. A three-time Liberty League Rookie of the Week, Smith topped the conference in goals scored, and goals per game (0.625). He also ranked second in points, points per game (1.38), and game-winning goals (3).
CO-COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR: Bard College – TJ Kostecky, Head Coach
Bard College head coach TJ Kostecky and assistant coaches Nic Soucy and Sam Sternberg were selected as the Liberty League Co-Coaching Staff of the Year; they guided the Raptors to a 10-5-2 overall record and a 2-5-2 mark against league opponents. Bard opened the 2026 campaign with seven consecutive victories and went unbeaten in non-conference play (8-0-0). The Raptors led the conference in shutout percentage (.529) and tied for the league lead with nine shutouts, including two against conference foes Union and RIT. They were also second in the Liberty League in total saves (75) and saves per game (4.41). Bard finished the year among NCAA Division III’s top 30 in both save percentage (20th) and shutout percentage (T-27th).
CO-COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR: St. Lawrence University – Mike Toshack, Head Coach
St. Lawrence University head coach Mike Toshack, along with assistant coach Luke van Galen, were selected as the Liberty League Co-Coaching Staff of the Year after directing the Saints to an 11-2-4 overall mark and a 5-1-3 record in league play. The Saints claimed their first Liberty League regular season title since 2022 and earned the top seed of the conference tournament, advancing to the championship game for the fourth time since 2021. Defensively, the Saints have held opponents to a league-low 13 goals (0.76 per game), and they ranked third in the conference in shutouts with seven. They also have one of the league’s most potent offenses, ranking second in scoring offense (1.8 goals per game), total points (100), points per game (5.8), and goals (32). St. Lawrence snagged an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament; the Saints will face Neumann University in the first round on Saturday, November 14.