SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 6, 2025) – The Conference of New England (CNE) has named their major award winners, three all-conference teams, and their annual Community Service Team for the 2025 men's soccer season. Five Golden Bears have earned all-conference team nods, with Jayden Montagna receiving recognition for his contributions to his community.

The CNE announced on Thursday that three student-athletes from the Golden Bears' Men's Soccer team were selected to the 2025 Men's Soccer All-Conference First Team. Midfielder Tyler Lewis earned first-team honors after a stellar season, during which he ranked second in goals and first in assists on the team. Lewis accumulated 25 points, the most on the team. He had scored ten goals and earned five assists to reach that point total. He had four game-winning goals throughout the season, including one to send the Golden Bears to the conference semifinals versus the University of Hartford. Lewis started all 20 games possible this season and was a driving force behind the team's success. This is Lewis' second All-Conference selection in two years after being selected to the Second Team last season. Shay O'Neill joins Lewis as a First-Teamer in the conference. O'Neill had arguably his best season as a Golden Bear this season. O'Neill accumulated two goals and two assists, to pick up six points for WNE this season. O'Neill started 18 of his 19 games played for the blue and gold this season, and for O'Neill, it was more about his passing defense within the midfield that earned him this achievement. Crisp passes and smartly timed tackles helped the Golden Bears in more ways than those shown on the stat sheet. O'Neill finds himself as part of the CNE postseason awards for the second year in a row after getting Third Team accolades last season. Jack Leland is the third Golden Bear to earn the All-Conference First Team nod. Leland was the anchor of the Golden Bear defense this season. Leland started and played in all 20 WNE contests this season. The defender did more than just stop the opposition's runs; Leland would pick up three goals and one assist this season to help the WNE attack, as well. Leland only had ten shots on goal this year and would score on three of those shots. This is Jack Leland's second consecutive time appearing on the All-Conference First Team.

Joining their teammates on the All-Conference Teams are Cole Casinghino and Ben Riley. The attacking duo both see their names on the All-Conference Second Team list. Casinghino had a breakout sophomore season for the Golden Bears. Casinghino was usually one of the first players to start the attack with a shot for the Golden Bears. He would pick up four goals, one assist, and nine points during the season with only 14 shots on goal. Casinghino played in all but one game for the men's soccer program this year and started 15 games for the program. His ascent into one of the top forwards in the conference proved helpful for WNE as they navigated their 2025 season. Ben Riley joins Casinghino on the conference second team after a top-notch campaign. Riley led the men's soccer team in goals, scoring 11, and also picked up one assist. Those stats helped Riley end the season with 23 points. Riley also scored three game-winning goals throughout the season and was credited with the game-tying goal against the University of Hartford, which helped send the game to overtime, where WNE would secure the win.

Announced as part of the conference, the Community Service Team is Jayden Montagna. The Community Service Team is comprised of one individual from each member institution who has demonstrated a dedication to their community, both on and off campus. Montagna embodies the ideal type of individual who should be on this team. The Agawam, Massachusetts native has served as a Peer Advisor on campus and also served on the Steering Committee for the program, a group of leaders within Peer Advising who lead the Peer Advisors and help train them. As a Peer Advisor, Montagna has helped first-year students navigate their initial year at WNE and beyond. He has helped plan events for the Peer Advising program and has helped lead the program. Montagna was a captain on the men's soccer team this year, as well. Montagna also gives back to the youth soccer community by coaching individuals in his town to help others learn more about the sport and improve their technique. Montagna aims to foster a deeper love for the sport that he is so passionate about.