FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Four West Liberty University men's soccer players were recognized Friday as the Mountain East Conference announced its 2026 All-Conference awards, highlighted by second-team selections for goalkeeper Shai'ya Fitzgerald and defender Alec Aceves.

Fitzgerald and Aceves were named to the All-MEC Second Team, while midfielder Jasper Newton and defender Julius Aschmann earned honorable mention recognition.

Newton extended his streak of All-MEC recognition to four consecutive seasons. He previously earned second-team honors in 2023 before receiving honorable mention recognition in 2024 and 2025. This year's selection marks his fourth career All-MEC honor.

Newton finished the 2026 season with three goals and two assists for eight points in 16 appearances. He also recorded one game-winning goal.

Fitzgerald put together one of the top seasons among conference goalkeepers, finishing with 64 saves in 15 appearances. He led the MEC in total saves and ranked second in saves per game at 4.27. Fitzgerald also posted a .800 save percentage, fourth-best in the conference, and a 1.08 goals-against average. His three shutouts ranked sixth in the league in shutouts per game.

Aceves joined Fitzgerald on the second team as a defender after contributing two goals in 15 appearances. Aschmann earned honorable mention recognition after appearing in all 16 matches and contributing one goal.

The awards were determined by a vote of the conference's head coaches.

Frostburg State forward Frank Stare was named the MEC Offensive Player of the Year, Concord defender Zakari Messam earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, and Concord midfielder Josiah Ochoa was selected as Freshman of the Year. Davis & Elkins head coach Meir Lewin was named MEC Coach of the Year.




West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.