OWENSBORO, Ky. – Four Kentucky Wesleyan men's soccer student-athletes have been named to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference All-Conference teams, while freshman standout Carter Ford was named the 2026 G-MAC Freshman of the Year, the conference office announced on Thursday.

Ford has been a reliable block in head coach John Fusco's midfield this season, featuring in all 17 regular season games. Dominant on and off the ball, Ford brings a physicality that's hard to stop, and it showed in his debut season as he collected six goals and four assists, including the winner against No. 4 Cedarville this past Saturday to send the Panthers to the G-MAC Semifinals against No. 1 Lake Erie.

"Carter has been immensely important for us this season, and I'm so proud of what he's accomplished in his first season with us," said head coach John Fusco.

Ford's production has seen him land in the top five in multiple G-MAC statistical categories, including shots, shots on goal, and goals. Ford becomes the first Panther in program history to win the award while also earning G-MAC Second Team All-Conference honors.

In addition to Ford, Jersey Lopez earned G-MAC First Team All-Conference honors. It is his second all-conference honor and first time being named to the first team. His team-leading 14 assists this season not only lead the conference but also are the second-most in a season in program history. In addition to that, his assist rate of 0.82 assists per game ranks first in the NCAA across the nation.

Jhaeem Bryan picks up his second straight G-MAC All-Conference honor, this time landing on the G-MAC Second Team. The anchor of the defense at the back has featured in 16 games this season, earning four straight shutouts in a two-week period earlier this season. His lone goal this season against Tiffin at home helped the team earn a vital point in a come-from-behind 3-3 draw against the defending champions.

Lastly, Mattie McNally earns G-MAC All-Conference Second Team honors for the first time in his career. McNally featured in 14 games this season and led the team in goals scored with seven. He has scored in the Panthers' last five games and ranks third in the conference standings in goals. Additionally, his play has landed him in the top five in shots on goal and points within the conference and leads the nation in shot accuracy.

The Panthers return to the pitch on Thursday, November 5 to face off with the No. 1 Lake Erie Storm in the G-MAC Tournament Semifinals. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT.

2026 Great Midwest Athletic Conference All-Conference Honors
Carter Ford – G-MAC Freshman of the Year
Jersey Lopez – First Team
Jhaeem Bryan – Second Team
Carter Ford – Second Team
Mattie McNally – Second Team

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