The Sun Belt Conference announced its inaugural weekly player awards for the 2026 men’s soccer season, highlighting performances that helped shape early results for their respective programs.
Week 1 Honorees
Loïc Sany Kong of South Carolina and Will Devine of Coastal Carolina were selected as the conference’s first Players of the Week, each delivering moments that defined their teams’ opening matches.
Kong’s Breakout Display
Kong delivered a career‑high performance, recording two goals and an assist against North Florida. His brace contributed five points, including a decisive game‑winning strike and a second goal scored just 19 seconds after the first, underscoring his attacking impact.
Devine’s Defensive Masterclass
Will Devine anchored Coastal Carolina’s backline with a clean sheet against the nation’s second‑ranked NC State. He faced 19 shots, making four saves that preserved a 0‑0 tie and highlighted his growing reputation as a reliable shot‑stopper.
Both honorees exemplify the competitive intensity of the Sun Belt Conference, setting a high bar for the remainder of the season and drawing attention to the conference’s rising prominence in collegiate soccer.