EDISON, N.J. –
Nassim Akki is the first Jasper to win a MAAC major award since 2017, with the freshman being the first Jasper in program history to be named Defensive Player of the Year and joining seven of his teammates in being All-MAAC selections.
In addition to his major award, Akki earned a spot on the first team. The second team features the stars of last night's MAAC Quarterfinal,
Gunnar Studenhofft and
Ronaldo Da Silva. Also slotting in on the second team is
Henry Hamilton. The third team features four Jaspers;
James Cotter,
Anthony Denis, Johan Velez and
Danny DiMarco.
"To be recognized at this level by the MAAC coaches is a special moment for all the players, and it speaks to the commitment, dedication, and consistency of their performances throughout the season," said head coach Jorden Scott. "Having eight student-athletes on All-MAAC teams also speaks to the level of our program and everyone in the squad who has contributed throughout the year, on and off the field."
Akki, the first major award winner since Marcellin Gohier won Goalkeeper of the Year in 2017, turned in a brilliant freshman campaign in Riverdale. While the season continues on Thursday at Iona in the MAAC Semifinals, Akki has logged an impressive 1422 minutes this year while assisting on a pair of goals. Last night, he preserved the clean sheet against Fairfield with an incredible defensive safe to keep the ball from crossing the goal line.
"Nassim has been an impact player for us since he arrived. His emotional drive to perform at his best elevates him to this level, and as a freshman, we know there is much more to develop in his game that will hopefully allow him to reach his goals in life."
Studenhofft has established himself as one of the premier offensive threats in the MAAC in his first year sporting the Green and White. Currently, he has scored five goals while also handing out five assists. He shined in his Manhattan debut, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Holy Cross. On Sunday, he stepped up in a big way, scoring the first goal of the match and then assisting on the second to help the Jaspers advance to the semifinals.
Da Silva, one of the three captains, turned in a strong senior season. Da Silva netted five goals and two assists on the year. He recorded his first career multi-goal game in the team's 3-0 win on the road against Rider. He converted on the go-ahead goal against Canisius towards the end of the regular season. Sunday night, he scored an insurance goal to help seal the quarterfinal victory.
The final second team member, Henry Hamilton, also made a statement in his debut season. His six goals pace the team while also adding a pair of assists. Four of those six goals have come from the penalty spot, where he is a perfect four-for-four. His four converted penalties are tied for second in Division I.
Another captain, James Cotter, earned third-team honors during his strong final season in the Green and White. The Wigan, England native, has scored one goal and three assists while playing 1334 minutes. His lone goal came in non-conference play against La Salle off a free kick in which he beat the keeper to the far post.
Akki's fellow center back, Anthony Denis, brings home All-MAAC honors in his first season at Manhattan. The team leader in minutes, playing an impressive 1452 minutes thus far, has scored a pair of goals to go along with an assist. His assist came on one of Da Silva's goals against Rider. One of his goals came against Marist. In the 73rd minute, Denis deflected a shot from Da Silva that was set to go wide of the net, back in the net in what would become the game-winning goal.
In his senior year, Velez slotted in on the third team. He has contributed five goals to go along with an assist. He recorded his first collegiate multi-goal game of his career against FDU in which he scored both goals in a 2-0 win.
The final Jasper to earn conference recognition was keeper Danny DiMarco. DiMarco has been as consistent as you can get between the posts this season. The Sparta, N.J. native has started in all 13 games he has appeared. Of those 13 matches, he has seven clean sheets with one combined shutout. From Sept. 21 to Nov. 10, the Jasper keeper did not concede a goal. He sports a GAA of 0.49, which currently is third in the country, while his save percentage of .793 is 27th in D1.
The Jasper season continues this coming Thursday when the team returns to Iona for the second time this season, this time for the MAAC Semifinals.
