Men's Soccer Hauls in Three CACC Major Awards and Four All-Conference Selections for 2025

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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – A day after their memorable semifinal win at Knights Field, the University of Bridgeport's men's soccer team was well represented on the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference's postseason honors on Thursday, earning three major awards and four additional All-Conference selections.

UB's haul was highlighted Pete Doneit being named the CACC's Athletic Solutions Coach of the Year, Bruno Cakurs being selected as the Defensive Player of the Year and Kristians Prieditis voted as the league's Rookie of the Year.

Cakurs also joined Enzo Beatrix on the CACC's All-Conference First Team while Joao Miranda and Samuel Dundas earned sports on the Second Team.

Pete Doneit – CACC Athletic Solutions Coach of the Year

Doneit guided the Purple Knights through an exceptional 2025 campaign, highlighted by an undefeated conference record (5-0-5) that secured the No. 2 seed in the CACC Tournament. UB's defense was sensational in league play, allowing just nine goals across 10 CACC games this season.

With the two seed in hand, Doneit's squad earned home playoff victories over Dominican and Wilmington to advance to their second CACC Championship Game over the last three seasons. UB will travel to take on top-seeded Post in the conference final on Saturday.

In addition to the conference success, Bridgeport faced one of the nation's toughest schedules this season—ranked 14th hardest in Division II—and rose to the challenge with impressive results. The team went 2-2 against nationally ranked opponents and added a draw against Bentley who is currently ranked No.11 in the country.  

Bruno Cakurs – CACC Defensive Player of the Year / CACC All-Conference First Team

Cakurs anchored UB's back line with consistency and leadership during a sensational 2025 season. One of just three Purple Knights to start all 19 matches, Cakurs led a UB defense that ranked third in the CACC, allowing only 1.25 goals per game—and just 0.9 across conference play.

Under his direction, the team posted four clean sheets and limited opponents to one or fewer goals in 12 different contests. The recognition from the league's coaches fittingly caps an outstanding career in which Cakurs made 69 appearances and 56 starts, including starting every match over the past two seasons.

Kristians Prieditis – CACC Rookie of the Year

Prieditis made an immediate impact in his debut season for the Purple Knights, leading the team with six goals scored across six different matches. He delivered in big moments, netting game-winning goals against nationally ranked Wilmington and Chestnut Hill and scoring the lone goal in a 1-1 draw with current No. 11 Bentley.

Prieditis also showcased his clutch ability early in the year, finding the back of the net in the 89th minute to help secure a 2-2 tie versus SCSU. His fast start to collegiate play earned him CACC Rookie of the Week honors on Sept. 8, highlighting a terrific first season in Purple and White.

Enzo Beatrix – CACC All-Conference First Team

Beatrix put together another fantastic season for UB, earning All-Conference First Team honors for the second straight year. One of just three Purple Knights to start all 19 games, Beatrix tied for the team lead in both points (13) and assists (5) while serving as a constant attacking presence.

Beatrix's playmaking shined in key moments, including a goal and assist in UB's win at nationally ranked Wilmington and assists in hard-fought draws at Bentley and Felician. A model of consistency, Beatrix has started every game of his UB career, totaling 10 goals and nine assists across 37 appearances.

Joao Miranda – CACC All-Conference Second Team

Miranda enjoyed a superb junior campaign for UB, earning All-Conference Second Team honors for the second consecutive year. A steady force in the midfield, Miranda started 16 games and contributed three goals and four assists to UB's balanced attack.

Miranda delivered in clutch moments throughout the season, including scoring one of the Purple Knights' biggest goals of the year to give UB a 2-1 lead in the CACC semifinal win over Wilmington. Miranda also found the net in a crucial 1-1 draw against Holy Family on Oct. 25, underscoring his tendency for stepping up when it mattered most.

Samuel Dundas – CACC All-Conference Second Team

Dundas delivered a sterling season on both ends of the field as a key member of UB's defensive unit. Starting 18 games, Dundas helped anchor a backline that allowed just 1.25 goals per game—third-best in the CACC—and an impressive 0.9 goals per game in conference play. He was named the CACC's Defensive Player of the Week just 10 days ago. 

Beyond his defensive steadiness, Dundas proved to be a major offensive contributor, ranking tied for second on the team with four goals and adding an assist. He showcased his scoring touch in big moments, netting the opening goals in a 2-1 win over nationally ranked Adelphi and in UB's 2-1 CACC quarterfinal victory against Dominican.

UP NEXT
The University of Bridgeport's men's soccer team is set to take on top-seeded Post in the CACC Championship Game on Saturday at 3 p.m.