HADLEY, Mass. – The Connecticut College men's soccer team placed a program record five members on the annual New England Small College Athletic Conference awards, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday morning, highlighted by junior midfielder Max Haberman (San Diego, Calif.) being named Defensive Player of the Year.

Haberman also found himself on the All-NESCAC First Team with three teammates, sophomore defender Dylan Hoke (Westport, Conn.), junior midfielder Marco Perugini (Medway, Mass.), and junior forward Gavin Mpiana (Cape Town, South Africa). Rounding out the honorees for the Camels is junior defender Charlie Miles (Tarrytown, N.Y.), who was named to the Second Team. The four first team selections equal the most in program history, after Conn placed four on the first team in 2018.

Haberman becomes the first player in program history to be named Defensive Player of the Year, while earning his second career All-NESCAC selection after being named to the second team last season. A dynamic midfielder who controls both sides of the ball, Haberman has started all 18 games, while chipping in five points offensively on two goals and one assist. 

"Max has been a terrific leader on and off the field for us this year," said head coach Reuben Burk. "He makes his presence felt in training, in the locker room, and throughout the off-season. He has this amazing passion and determination to be successful, with his winning mentality being infectious the last two years. When we won the 2021 National Championship, we had a midfield captain, Lorenzo Bocchetti and Max has all of the same qualities."

Hoke earns his first-career All-NESCAC selection after appearing and starting in 16 games this season. Hoke helped a strong Camels defense limit opponents to just 12 goals against, while helping keep eight clean sheets.

"Dylan is as blue-collar defender as they come," added Burk. (It's impossible to ever question his effort, toughness, and competitiveness. He has that old-school love of defending. Last year he was an NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team selection and he has only continued to progress, making so many key defensive stops and interceptions this season."

Perugini earns his first-career All-NESCAC selection after starting all 18 games, and leading the team in scoring with 15 points on five goals and five assists. Perugini leads the NESCAC with 65 total shot attempts and 22 shots on goal, while ranking tied for fifth in points, sixth in goal, and fourth in assists.

"Marco is a very talented and special footballer," noted Burk. "He has the ability to always be a real difference maker on the field. He is so impressively self-assured and confident. He thrives under pressure and relishes challenges in training and from opponents."

Rounding out the first team honorees is Mpiana who earns his first career all-conference selection. Mpiana appeared in 16 games while making nine starts and ranks second on the team in scoring with 10 points on four goals and two assists.

"Gavin is a terrific all-around forward who brings a bit of everything to the table," said Burk. "He had to battle injuries early in the season, but once he overcame them, he really shined for us. He chipped in with several crucial goals as well as demonstrating high-character by sharing playing time with other important forwards."

The final selection for the Camels is Miles, who earns his first career All-NESCAC selection, landing on the second team. A defensive stalwart, Miles has started and appeared in 14 games, while adding one goal on the campaign.

"Charlie has been invaluable for us this season in many different ways," Burk concluded. "He is an extension of the coaching staff in the way he oversees his teammates, manages relationships, and controls morale in the locker room. For three years he has been an unsung hero on the field too with his composure on the ball, reading of the game, and defensive reliability."

Conn College currently sits at 10-3-5 on the year, after the Camels fell to No. 1 Tufts 1-0 in the NESCAC title game on Sunday. Conn returns to the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year, and opens up the competition against the University of Saint Joseph on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. on Freeman Field.