Diarra Named American Conference Offensive Player of the Year

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The American Conference has named Mamadou Diarra as its Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Year, the league announced on Thursday. In addition, the Owls' coaching staff, led by ninth-year Head Coach Joey Worthen, was named Staff of the Year. Fabrizio Cubeddu joined Diarra on the All-Conference First Team. Aboubacar Traore and Oliver Moller-Jensen earned their place on the Second Team, while Elias Asikainen was named to the All-Freshman team.

Diarra becomes the fourth player in the 13-year history of the American Conference to repeat as Offensive Player of the Year. The fifth-year senior had another standout regular season, leading the Owls with six goals, including two game-winners, and 16 points.

Worthen on Diarra
"This is a testament to Mo's hard work and his mentality. To receive this award two years in a row, he's proven that he's the best striker in our conference and one of the top in the country. I'm incredibly happy for him. This is well-deserved."

Cubeddu led the Owls in total minutes while making starts at both outside back and in the midfield. The graduate senior logged two assists while starting all 15 matches in the regular season.

Worthen on Cubeddu
"For Fabri to come back after three years away and earn his way onto the First Team, this is a full-circle moment, and it's certainly deserved. He's probably the most versatile player in the league, playing several different positions. He's had a tremendous impact on our team as a leader and a player."

Traore earned all-conference honors for the second year in a row after a First Team nod in 2024. The Ivorian logged four goals to go along with five assists. He's now tied for third all-time in program history with 15 assists.

Moller-Jensen adds another accolade after an All-Freshman team nod in 2023 and a Preseason All-Conference nod in 2024. Moller-Jensen led the American Conference with six assists while chipping in four goals as well.

Worthen on Moller-Jensen and Traore
"Oli and Bouba are two of the most dangerous attacking players in our conference. They create goals. They score goals themselves. They've been doing it all year. Again, well-deserved recognition for them and for our team to get four players on the first and second teams."

One of two freshmen on this year's team, the Finnish-born Asikainen made 10 appearances in the midfield, totaling 393 minutes.

Worthen on Asikainen
"This is great recognition for Elias in his first taste of college soccer. For him to come in and get the minutes that he did is great, and I think there's a lot more in store for him in the future."

Led by Worthen in his ninth season as head coach, associate head coach Tom Harman, goalkeeper coach Brad Shore, and assistant coach Rob Tomlin, the Owls won their third conference regular season title in program history and first since 2007.

Worthen on the coaching staff
"I have a fantastic staff. Tom, Brad, and Rob do an unbelievable job. They are tireless workers. To assemble a team that has performed as it has, from recruiting to game plan and scouting, I am incredibly fortunate to have these individuals on my staff. To know that this award is voted on by our peers, our fellow coaches, is incredibly humbling."

The Owls have earned a first-round bye in the American Conference tournament and will play either South Florida or Tulsa in the semifinals at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Diarra Named American Conference Offensive Player of the Year

Players Mentioned

Elias Asikainen

Fabrizio Cubeddu

Mamadou Diarra

Oliver Moller-Jensen

Aboubacar Traore

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