ALBANY, N.Y. – Russell Sage College Men's Soccer had five players: freshman defender Logan Diebold (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South), senior forward Alessandro Cerbara (Rome, Italy/SS Lazio/Saint Rose), forward El Hadji Iba Sy (Bronx, NY/Emma Lazarus), a grad student, junior midfielder Alejandro Aleo (Alicante, Spain/Ira Macia Abela/Saint Rose), and senior defender Mason Kievit (LaGrange, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes) earn All-Empire 8 Conference honors. The league office announced the results of the voting, which was done by the head coaches, earlier today.

Iba Sy became just the third Gator to garner first-team All-E8 status. He tied for second in the Conference with nine goals and was tied for third on the circuit with 20 points.  The forward, who made third-team All-E8 in 2022 and 2023, scored three game-winning goals this fall. He closed his campaign ranked eighth among RSC players with 38 career points, third with six career game-winning goals, and tied for fifth with 18 career goals.

"I am really proud of El, who has consistently been one of the top forwards in the E8 over the last three years," said Head Coach Amir Pasic. "His first team selection is fully deserved, and I couldn't be more proud of the personal and athletic growth I've seen from him in the time I've known him.

Aleo earned second-team All-E8 honors. The Saint Rose transfer helped to control the midfield and totaled 11 points on three goals and five assists.

"Alejandro was one of the best midfielders in the league this season, and would start on any team in the E8," added Pasic. "He came in and led by example from the moment he stepped on campus, and our program is richer because of the leadership and ability he brought to our group this season."

Cerbara and Diebold both were voted to the third-team.  Cerbara, also a former Golden Knight, battled injuries to contribute in the midfield to the tune of two goals and one assist.

"Alessandro caused havoc against any opponent we played, and although he was injured for much of the season he was still one of the best players on the field at any given moment," said Pasic. "I'm happy the coaches in the league recognized his ability even though he missed many games due to injury. He's an electric player that could score or assist in any moment."

Diebold anchored the RSC defense as a freshman. He started all 18 contests and helped the Gators register three shutouts.

"Logan was a big part of our success this season, and we are lucky to have someone with his ability in our group," commented Pasic. "He played every minute of every game for us this season, and played with the kind of maturity you expect from a senior. We are grateful that he still has three years with us."

One member of each team was named that institution's representative on the 2024 E8 Men's Soccer Sportsmen of the Year Team. The Empire 8 Conference emphasizes that "Competing with Honor and Integrity" is an essential component of a student-athlete's experience in conjunction with an institution's educational mission. These honorees have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportsmen.  Kievit represented the Gators on the squad. 

The quintet helped the Gators (7-8-3/4-4-3 E8) qualify for the E8 Conference Championship Tournament for the fifth time.  RSC fell 1-0 at top-seeded Saint John Fisher in the Quarterfinals.

Gator Bites with Papa John's:  Pasic completed his third season at the helm of the Gators…RSC has now made the E8 Tournament twice during his tenure…21 newcomers combined with 16 returnees to comprise this fall's roster… Iba Sy, sophomore forward Dimitri Gogas (Merrick, NY/W.C. Mepham), and senior midfielder/forward Joe Piperata (Rensselaer, NY/Catholic Central) highlighted the returning Gators…Aleo, Diebold, and senior forward Darien Espinal (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa/Saint Rose) headlined the crop of new faces…Senior defender Taiwo Afolabi (Arlington, TX/Mansfield Summit/Medaille), Kievit, and Aleo, served as the team captains…Freshman goalkeeper Maximilian Bertmann (South Burlington, VT/South Burlington) was selected the Empire 8 Conference Defensive Player of the Week three times this fall (for the periods ending: Sunday, Sept. 15, Sept. 22, and Oct. 6)…The rookie began the week ranked fourth in the Conference with 51 saves…Iba Sy was tabbed the E8 Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday, October 20…He closed his season tied for second in the E8 with nine goals and sat tied for third in the Conference with 20 points...Gogas finished his fall tied for second on the circuit with six assists...The duo of Iba Sy and Gogas each had three game-winning goals during the regular season, tied for second-most in the E8.