Preseason Accolades Signal Title Ambitions
The University of North Florida’s men’s soccer program has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2026 ASUN Conference poll, earning 79 points and eight first‑place votes, marking the second straight year the Ospreys have topped the coaches’ forecast.
What makes the prediction especially noteworthy is the historic haul of seven Ospreys earning spots on the Preseason All‑ASUN Team, the most ever in conference history.
Among them, senior midfielder Anton Khelil was crowned Preseason Player of the Year, while defender Paul Schacherer captured the Defensive Player of the Year award, and fifth‑year goalkeeper Luciano Natoli received unanimous recognition as Goalkeeper of the Year.
The honorees are rounded out by teammates Geraldo Neto, Kaiss Mansouri, Tyler Prebenda and Rafa Rios, who all earned a place on the all‑conference preseason squad.
The Ospreys will open the season at home against South Carolina on August 20 at 6 p.m. Eastern, a match that promises to set the tone for what many expect to be another championship‑contending campaign.
With a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent, the team’s coaching staff is confident that UNF can defend its recent success and chase another ASUN title.