SUWANEE, Georgia – The Concordia Texas men's soccer team earned 10 All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) selections following a successful 2026 campaign, highlighted by senior goalkeeper Leonel Cuellar being named the SCAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Cuellar headlines four Tornados named to the All-SCAC First Team, joining junior defender Enoch Morebise, senior defender Steven Dolan and sophomore midfielder Joseph Perez.
Senior defender Jesse Garfias and senior forward Thomas Saylae earned Second Team recognition, while junior midfielder Adrian Requena and sophomore midfielder Edmond Elone received Honorable Mention honors. Freshmen Ethan D'Elia and Lorenzo Maule rounded out Concordia's postseason recognition with selections to the SCAC All-Freshman Team.
Cuellar made history by becoming the fourth Tornado to earn conference Defensive Player of the Year honors, joining Cameron Burleson, Yael Sanchez and Zack Kusak. The Midlothian, Texas native is the first Concordia player to receive the distinction since Burleson was named American Southwest Conference (ASC) Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
The recognition adds to Concordia's history of standout goalkeepers, which includes Joshua Redding and Erik Rodriguez, who each earned ASC Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2019. The SCAC did not recognize a separate Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2026.
Cuellar anchored one of the conference's strongest defensive units, helping the Tornados finish 8-1 in SCAC play while allowing just seven goals in nine conference matches. The senior appeared in 15 matches, totaling 1,276 minutes in goal while recording 50 saves and a .806 save percentage. He posted a combined 10-4-1 record with a 0.85 goals-against average and six individual shutouts, along with one shared shutout.
Cuellar also earned SCAC Defensive Player of the Week honors during October following back-to-back shutouts against Centenary and St. Thomas. His First Team selection marks his second consecutive All-SCAC recognition after earning Honorable Mention honors in 2025.
Joining Cuellar on the First Team was Morebise, who contributed on both ends of the field throughout the season. The Houston native appeared in 16 matches and tied for the team lead with three goals, totaling six points. He also led the Tornados with 33 shots, including 20 on goal, and recorded one game-winning goal. Morebise played an important role in Concordia's defensive success while providing an additional scoring threat from the backline.
Dolan earned First Team All-SCAC recognition following another strong season on the backline. The Georgetown, Texas native appeared in 10 matches and helped anchor a defensive unit that recorded eight shutouts overall. The honor marks his third career all-conference selection after earning ASC Second Team recognition in 2023 and All-SCAC Honorable Mention honors in 2025.
Perez rounded out Concordia's First Team selections after leading the Tornados with seven points on three goals and one assist. The College Station, Texas native appeared in 14 matches and recorded 19 shots, including nine on goal. All three of his goals were game-winners, the most on the team, highlighting his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Garfias earned Second Team All-SCAC recognition, adding another accolade to an impressive collegiate career. The Waxahachie, Texas native previously earned ASC Second Team honors in 2023, All-SCAC Honorable Mention recognition in 2024 and First Team All-SCAC honors in 2025. His latest selection marks his fourth career all-conference honor.
The senior defender appeared in 14 matches and scored one goal while contributing to Concordia's defensive efforts. His experience and leadership helped the Tornados establish one of the conference's strongest backlines.
Saylae joined Garfias on the Second Team after making an impact in Concordia's attacking rotation. The Richardson, Texas native appeared in nine matches and scored two goals, both of which were game-winners. He finished with four points on six shots, providing timely offensive production throughout the season.
Requena and Elone received All-SCAC Honorable Mention recognition following their contributions in the midfield.
Requena appeared in 16 matches and recorded seven shots, including two on goal. The Austin native provided experience and consistency in the midfield while contributing to the Tornados' defensive efforts.
Elone earned his second consecutive All-SCAC Honorable Mention selection after also receiving the recognition in 2025. The Hutto, Texas native appeared in 16 matches and finished with two goals and two assists for six points, tying for second on the team in scoring. He also recorded 27 shots, including 10 on goal, and contributed one game-winning goal.
D'Elia and Maule rounded out Concordia's postseason honors with selections to the SCAC All-Freshman Team.
D'Elia, a defender from Houston, appeared in 15 matches during his debut season and contributed to a backline that recorded eight shutouts. He also registered five shots, including one on goal, while gaining valuable experience throughout the campaign.
Maule, a forward from Houston, made an immediate offensive impact during his freshman season. He appeared in 14 matches and finished with two goals and one assist for five points. Both of his goals were game-winners, tying him for second on the team in that category.
Concordia concluded the regular season with an 11-5-1 overall record and an 8-1 mark in SCAC play, earning the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament. The Tornados recorded eight shutouts and scored 20 goals throughout the campaign while securing another postseason appearance.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the CTX men's soccer program, follow us on social media @ctxathletics and visit athletics.concordia.edu.
