Messam, Ochoa Lead Seven All-MEC Men's Soccer Selections

FAIRMONT W.Va. - The Concord University men's soccer team had seven selections on the All-Mountain East Conference Teams that were released Friday afternoon.
 
Senior defender Zakari Messam was tabbed MEC Defensive Player of the Year and freshman midfielder Josiah Ochoa was named MEC Freshman of the Year.
 
Joining Messam and Ochoa on the All-MEC First Team is junior goalkeeper Iori Tanaka.
 
Junior defender Neko Worthy and sophomore defender Ben Musengo were selected to the All-MEC Second Team.
 
Rounding out the list for Concord is junior forward Lucas Costa and senior forward Dominique Malhomme who were picked as All-MEC Honorable Mentions.
 
Messam, a two-year captain for the Mountain Lions, has been the steady force leading the Concord backline and receives the first MEC Defensive Player of the Year Award in program history. Messam guided CU to allowing just 10 goals on the season, picking up a Concord single-season record 10 shutouts in 2026. The Manchester, Jamaica native broke the all-time games played record for the Mountain Lions, suiting up in 75 games. Messam netted his lone goal of the season in the regular season finale against Shawnee State, a late game-winner (October 28), and he recorded an assist in the 4-0 win against Wheeling (September 27).
 
Ochoa earns Concord's first ever MEC Freshman of the Year award after a fantastic 2026 season. Ochoa led CU in goals (5) and points (14) during the regular season as a true freshman. The Point Fortin, Trinidad & Tobago native netted his first career goal in the 1-1 draw against Seton Hill (September 16). Ochoa is tied for the league lead with three game-winning goals, scoring some crucial ones for the Mountain Lions. This includes a 2-0 win over Salem (September 20), the 1-0 win over West Liberty (October 7) and the 4-0 victory over West Virginia Wesleyan (October 21).
 
Tanaka is Concord's third All-MEC First Team selection. In his first season with the Mountain Lions, Tanaka led the MEC with nine individual shutouts and his .603 goals against average ranks ninth in all of NCAA Division II. Tanaka racked up 39 saves on the season, conceding just 10 goals in 17 games. The Kyoto, Japan native achieved his season-high six saves in a 2-0 win against Virginia State (August 27) and in the 1-0 win over West Liberty (October 7).
 
Worthy had big shoes to fill coming into the season, replacing former Mountain Lion and multiple-year All-Atlantic Region performer Ted Roberts. Worthy tied for the team lead with five assists, a mark that is tied for fourth most in the conference. Worthy also tacked on a goal against West Virginia Wesleyan (October 21). The Saint Martin, Mississippi native had a two-assist game in a close 2-1 win over Shawnee State (September 13). Worthy was also a key piece of the Concord defense that had an outstanding season.
 
Musengo started the season as a fullback, but had to shift inside to a center back role due to an injury, yet Musengo flourished. There's too many important tackles and interceptions made to count, but Musengo was incredibly steady next to Messam. Musengo was a major reason for Concord's defensive success with the 10 shutouts and only 10 goals conceded, but he also was involved in set pieces. The Urbandale, Iowa native picked up a pair of assists on the season against West Virginia Wesleyan (September 9) and Shawnee State (October 28).
 
Costa contributed to Mountain Lion offense with several important goals in 2026. Costa is tied for second on the team with four goals. The Miami, Florida native got off the mark with a penalty kick against Point Park (September 23). He followed it up with goals against Wheeling (September 27), West Virginia Wesleyan (October 21) and Charleston (October 25). Costa is the leader in shots (27) and shots on goal (13) for Concord.
 
Malhomme receives an MEC award in back-to-back seasons after being named to the All-MEC Second Team in 2025. Despite missing some time with injury, Malhomme still produced a lot of offense for CU. The Chateauroux, France native netted four goals and two assists on the season. Concord posts a 4-0 record when Malhomme scores, but his biggest moment has to be scoring the game-winning goal against No. 12 Davis & Elkins on the road.
 
The MEC Coach of the Year was Meir Lewin from Davis & Elkins, and the MEC Offensive Player of the Year was Frank Stare of Frostburg State.
 
The Mountain Lions host Point Park in the quarterfinal round of the MEC Tournament Sunday at 6:00 p.m. at Callaghan Stadium.