CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) released its 2026 men's soccer postseason honors Friday morning. The University of Dubuque led all-conference teams with 11 postseason honorees, including three of the four major awards. Sophomore Jameson Carl was named Offensive Player of the Year, while sophomore midfielder Luka Tomic earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. Head coach Andrew Mathys and his staff were also recognized as the A-R-C Coaching Staff of the Year.

Jameson Carl – Offensive Player of the Year (Sycamore, Ill. / Sycamore) led the conference in goals scored with seven goals in seven conference games. Carl recorded 30 shots, with 19 finding the target during conference play. He scored in every conference game except against Nebraska Wesleyan University. Among his most important goals were the game-tying goal against Loras College, helping the Spartans secure the conference title outright, and two goals in the comeback victory over Central College in a 5-2 win. Carl was named A-R-C Offensive Athlete of the Week once (11/2/26) and earned Offensive Player of the Year honors along with an All-Conference selection.

Luka Tomic – Defensive Player of the Year (Sioux Falls, S.D. / Sioux Falls Lincoln) was a crucial presence in the Spartans' midfield throughout their championship campaign. Tomic scored three goals and recorded two assists during conference play. As the team's primary set-piece taker, he played an important role in the Spartans' offensive production. Two of his biggest contributions came in the comeback victory over Central College, where he assisted on the first two goals, and against Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he scored an early goal to set the tone in the Spartans' 2-1 victory. Tomic was named Defensive Athlete of the Week twice (9/14/26, 10/19/26) and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors along with an All-Conference selection.

Andrew Mathys and Coaching Staff – Coaching Staff of the Year. What a turnaround for Andrew Mathys in his third year as the Spartans head coach. Following a disappointing 2025 season, Mathys and his coaching staff turned things around, leading the team to one of the best seasons in program history and capturing the conference title for the first time since the 2021 season. Under Mathys' leadership, the Spartans finished with a 10-4-3 overall record and went unbeaten in conference play with a 6-0-1 record. This marks Mathys' first time earning A-R-C Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

Andre Elinoff (Angered, Sweden / Aspero) made an immediate impact in his freshman season, becoming an important part of the Spartans' midfield from the opening game. The freshman finished conference play with three goals and three assists. Against both Simpson College and Central College, Elinoff recorded a goal and an assist, playing a major role in both victories. Elinoff earned his first All-Conference honors in his first season with the Spartans.

Elias Johansson (Gothenburg, Sweden / Aspero) played an important role on the Spartans' left wing throughout the season. The Swedish freshman created numerous scoring opportunities and became an important part of the Spartans' set-piece attack. Johansson recorded three assists, all during conference play, including an important assist in the 2-1 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University. Johansson earned his first All-Conference honors in his first season with the Spartans.

Riley Johnson (Lombard, Ill. / Willowbrook) was one of the most important pieces of the Spartans' championship team. The fifth-year senior goalkeeper consistently stood out with his performances between the posts. Johnson allowed just five goals in conference play, recorded a conference-leading three shutouts, and finished with the conference's highest save percentage at .853. Johnson was named Defensive Athlete of the Week twice (9/28/26, 10/26/26). His biggest performance came against Nebraska Wesleyan, where he recorded eight saves in the Spartans' 2-1 victory. Johnson earned his first All-Conference honors in his fifth season, his second with the Spartans.

Jake Polacek (Joliet, Ill. / Joliet West) was a consistent threat for opposing defenses throughout the season with his pace and technical ability. The sophomore winger recorded three assists during conference play and consistently created dangerous opportunities with his skill set. His assists came in victories against Simpson College, Coe College, and Central College. Polacek earned his first All-Conference honors in his second season with the Spartans.

Brock Richardson (Adel, Iowa / ADM) was the leader of the Spartans backline and one of the crucial pieces in the team's championship season. The sophomore center back played and started in every conference game, helping lead the conference's best defense with a 0.71 goals-against average. Richardson earns his first All-Conference honors in his second season with the Spartans.

Ryder Syverson (Sioux Falls, S.D. / Sioux Falls) formed the other half of the Spartans' outstanding center-back partnership. Alongside Richardson, Syverson helped anchor the conference's best defensive unit, which finished with a 0.71 goals-against average. He also contributed offensively with one goal and two assists. His most important assist came in the title-deciding game against Loras College. Syverson earned his first All-Conference honors in his second season with the Spartans.

Eddie Papis (Washington, Ill. / Washington Community) was the heart of this Spartans team as a senior captain and team leader. His leadership extended beyond the field, as he played a major role in bringing together this strong Spartans team. Papis scored two goals during conference play, finding the net against Simpson College and Buena Vista University. Papis earned his first Honorable Mention All-Conference selection.

Elliott Solberg (Eau Claire, Wis. / Eau Claire North) was a key part of the Spartans defensive unit throughout the season. The junior defender helped anchor a backline that limited conference opponents to a 0.71 goals-against average. Solberg also provided an offensive weapon with his dangerous long throws, creating problems for opposing defenses and giving the Spartans another important attacking option. Solberg earned his first Honorable Mention All-Conference selection.