Duke University’s men’s soccer goalkeeper has been honored as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Goalkeeper of the Year, as announced by the league on Wednesday. Matt Speel is now recognized as the second player from Duke to win this accolade since the award was introduced in 2022. This development marks a significant achievement for the Blue Devils, who now have a total of seven players receiving All-ACC honors during this season—the highest number since they claimed four major awards and saw nine athletes recognized in 2022.
Speel’s performance this season has been outstanding, leading the ACC with a goals against average of 0.988 and sharing the top spot for shutouts with six. He was a crucial player during Duke’s impressive 11-match unbeaten streak from October to mid-November, where he achieved five shutouts and held opponents scoreless for an impressive 648 minutes. Over the season, he recorded an 11-3-4 record, allowing only 17 goals while making 43 saves.
In addition to Speel, the Blue Devils saw notable contributions from sophomore forward Bjornsson, who was named to the First Team All-ACC after an impressive season that included a career-high of 13 goals and 29 points. Meanwhile, graduate forward Luckhurst and junior midfielder Hot also garnered recognition for their significant impact on the team’s performance.
Other key players recognized included junior defender Actio and senior defender Mesalles, both vital figures in Duke’s solid defensive lineup that has achieved multiple clean sheets this season. Additionally, freshman Kabuusu made the All-ACC Freshman Team, further emphasizing the depth and talent within the Duke soccer program.
As the Duke men’s soccer program embarks on its centennial celebrations in 2024, it reflects a proud legacy that continues to produce exceptional athletes and foster team spirit. With such promising young talents and a strong performance this season, the outlook for the Blue Devils remains bright, paving the way for continued success in the years to come.
To keep up with the team’s progress and updates, fans can follow Duke men’s soccer on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook under “DukeMSOC.”