BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The NEC released their 2025 end of year awards for the men's soccer season on Wednesday afternoon. The Knights were well-represented, with four All-NEC First Team selections, and two All-NEC second team selections. Additionally, Arnau Rabassa Guillamon was named the Offensive Player of the Year, and Jaymee Highcock was named the Coach of the Year.

Arnau Rabassa Guillamon takes home Offensive Player of the Year honors following a dominant season up front for the Knights. The senior buried ten goals, which led both the Knights and the NEC as a whole. Rabassa Guillamon recorded braces on three separate occasions. He also ended the season on a red-hot note. The Barcelona, Spain native scored eight of his goals across the Knights' last six games of the regular season. His campaign was capped by the game-winning goal in the Knights 1-0 victory over Howard on 11/9, which clinched the 2025 NEC Regular Season Championship for FDU.

Head Coach Jaymee Highcock was named the NEC Coach of the Year after a tremendous second year at the helm for the Knights. Highcock's squad finished the season with an 11-4-3 record, and a 7-1-1 record in conference play. The Knights' 11 wins are the most in a season for the program since 2006. The 7-1-1 conference record topped the NEC, earning the Knights their first regular season title since 2022. Highcock also coached the top offense in the NEC in 2025. The Knights finished atop the league in goals (34), assists (31), and points (99). 

Four Knights received All-NEC First Team honors. Arnau Rabassa Guillamon earned a spot on the squad following his impressive offensive season. Rabassa Guillamon has now earned a spot on an All-NEC team in back-to-back seasons. The senior was named to the All-NEC Second Team with CCSU in 2024.

Luke Ayaz was named to the All-NEC First Team following a breakout sophomore campaign. The Washington, N.J. native poured in six goals during his 2025 campaign, good for second amongst all Knights, and tied for third amongst all NEC players. Ayaz also contributed three assists to finish with 15 points on the season. The sophomore's year was highlighted by a thrilling game-winning goal in the Knights' 1-0 victory over Columbia. Ayaz buried a shot from the right side in the 83rd minute while FDU was playing a man down.

Joining Ayaz and Rabassa Guillamon on the All-NEC First Team was senior midfielder Takuto Nishide. The Osaka, Japan native finished the season as one of the top playmakers in all of the NEC. Nishide dished out six assists cross 2025, which ranked second amongst all NEC players, and led all NEC midfielders. Nishide scored two goals in his 2025 campaign, finishing with 10 points on the season. 

Gabriel Le Guen also earned a spot on the All-NEC First Team. Le Guen was a key member of a Knights' backline that shut down opponents all season long. Le Guen played a role in seven shutouts for the Knights. The France native played strong defense in front of the Knights' goalies, helping FDU to allow the second lowest amount of goals (16) amongst all NEC teams. 

Jaime Barbero earned a spot on the 2025 All-NEC Second Team. Barbero was one of the top goal-scorers for the Knights, pouring in five goals to help the Knights achieve the top offense in the NEC. He contributed two assists as well, finishing with 12 points–third most by any FDU player. Barbero's season was highlighted by a thrilling game-winner in the Knights' 1-0 win over New Haven. 

Victor Labite joined Barbero on the All-NEC Second Team. Labite scored one goal, and recorded an assist for the Knights in 2025. He was also a major part of the Knights' shutdown backline, which helped FDU record seven shutouts. Labite appeared and started in 16 matches for the Knights, totaling 1,197 minutes on the pitch in 2025. 

The Knights and their award winners will look to add to the trophy case this upcoming week in the 2025 NEC Tournament. The Knights have earned the top seed, and will start things off by playing host to #4 Le Moyne in the NEC Semifinals on Thursday, November 13. Kickoff at University Stadium will come at 4 p.m.

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