Duke men’s soccer standout goalkeeper has been honored as the ACC Goalkeeper of the Year, as announced by the league on Wednesday. With this recognition, he becomes the second Blue Devil to earn this accolade since the award’s inception in 2022. The team also celebrated several other achievements, with multiple players receiving All-ACC honors this season.
In addition to the goalkeeper’s recognition, Duke saw sophomore forward named to the First Team All-ACC. Graduate forward received a spot on the Second Team, while junior defender, junior midfielder, and senior defender earned Third Team honors. Freshman was also recognized as the sole Duke player on the All-ACC Freshman Team. Notably, the seven All-ACC selections mark the highest for Duke since 2022, when they secured four of the six major awards.
Leading the league with an impressive goals against average of .988, Speel has showcased remarkable skills, including a streak of 648 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal during an 11-match unbeaten run. His impressive overall record stands at 11 wins, 3 losses, and 4 draws, complemented by six shutouts and 43 total saves.
Sophomore forward Bjornsson also made headlines by not only being named to the All-Freshman and Second Team last year, but now stepping up to the First Team after a stellar season with 13 goals and 29 points. His contributions on the field have significantly impacted the team’s performance, including a remarkable hat trick earlier this season.
Furthermore, several other players made substantial contributions to the team’s success this season. Freshman forward Luckhurst, junior defender Actio, junior midfielder Hot, and senior defender Mesalles each played pivotal roles in solidifying the team’s defense and overall performance. Especially notable is the Blue Devils’ strong defensive capabilities, as demonstrated by multiple clean sheets throughout the season.
For fans and supporters of Duke men’s soccer, these achievements reflect not just individual talent but also the team’s unity and determination to excel as they forge ahead in the competitive landscape of college soccer. As Duke prepares to commemorate 100 years as a university in 2024, the continued success of their athletic programs serves as a source of pride for the entire Duke community.
Overall, this season’s accomplishments set a positive precedent for future competitions while underscoring Duke’s commitment to maintaining excellence in both athletics and academics. The spirit of collaboration, determination, and hard work will likely propel the program to even greater heights in the upcoming years.