NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team had six Hawks selected to the 2026 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Men's Soccer All-Conference Team, as announced by the conference office Wednesday.
Junior forward Brandon Dhanoolal highlighted the selections, earning First Team recognition following a standout campaign. Ryan Zindler, Owen Joyce, Samuel Snider and Riley Tait were each named to the Second Team, giving SUNY New Paltz the most Second Team selections of any program in the conference. Senior David Lamour rounded out the honors with an Honorable Mention nod.
The Hawks enjoyed a strong inaugural NJAC campaign, posting a 10-6-2 overall record with a 5-3-1 mark in conference play. SUNY New Paltz was particularly effective on its home turf, compiling a 7-2-1 record on North Turf, including three conference victories.
SUNY New Paltz earned its first NJAC victory with a 2-1 decision over Rutgers-Camden, marking an early milestone in the program's new conference era.
Dhanoolal enjoyed a stellar junior campaign, establishing career highs across the board while emerging as one of the conference's most dangerous attacking threats. The Tarrytown native started all 18 contests for the Hawks, ranking second on the team with 23 points on eight goals and a team-high seven assists. Dhanoolal also delivered in critical moments, registering four game-winning goals, including a pivotal game-winning free kick against Kean. A dynamic presence in the attacking third, the junior forward consistently challenged opposing backlines with his ability to find space, create opportunities and capitalize in front of goal. Dangerous in open space and composed under pressure, Dhanoolal demonstrated a knack for delivering in high-stakes situations, establishing himself as a focal point of the Hawks' offense.
Zindler paced the SUNY New Paltz attack throughout the season, registering a career-best 10 goals and four assists to lead the squad with 24 points. The junior forward etched his name into the program's record books earlier in the campaign, becoming the first Hawk since Harrison Lane in 2012 to score four goals in a single contest, accomplishing the feat against Purchase. A constant threat whenever he stepped onto the pitch, Zindler utilized his exceptional speed, attacking instincts and ability to exploit space to consistently put opposing defenses under pressure. His explosiveness and versatility made him a difficult matchup for opposing backlines, demanding attention throughout all 90 minutes while creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Joyce turned in an impressive sophomore campaign, showcasing his vision, creativity and playmaking ability from the midfield. The Oceanside native appeared in 15 contests, making 14 starts while ranking second on the team with six assists, including four against NJAC opponents. Joyce also found the back of the net once to finish with eight points on the season. A composed presence in possession, the sophomore consistently dictated the tempo of the Hawks' attack, finding teammates in dangerous areas and helping generate scoring opportunities with his precise distribution. His awareness and ability to connect play through the midfield made him an integral part of SUNY New Paltz's offensive success.
Senior captain Samuel Snider added another All-Conference accolade to his résumé after earning Third Team All-SUNYAC recognition a season ago. A commanding presence along the backline, the Oceanside native anchored the Hawks' defensive unit while demonstrating his versatility by influencing play throughout the midfield. Snider established career highs offensively, scoring the first two goals of his collegiate career while adding two assists to finish with six points. Beyond his contributions on the scoresheet, the senior captain provided invaluable leadership and experience to a young SUNY New Paltz squad, consistently organizing the defense, winning challenges and helping initiate attacking opportunities. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball made him a vital piece of the Hawks' success throughout their inaugural NJAC campaign.
Tait rounded out the Second Team selections following a standout senior campaign, establishing himself as a relentless presence on both sides of the pitch. The Staten Island native scored the first two goals of his collegiate career and added an assist, consistently posing a threat inside the box during set-piece opportunities. Defensively, Tait regularly shut down opposing attacks along his flank, using his physicality, positioning and determination to win challenges and disrupt opposing forwards. His influence extended well beyond the scoresheet, frequently jumpstarting dangerous offensive opportunities with aggressive runs forward, precise distribution and an ability to stretch opposing defenses. Whether battling for 50-50 balls, chasing down loose possessions or making overlapping runs into the attacking third, Tait's tireless work rate and two-way ability made him a constant presence throughout the contest and an integral part of the Hawks' defensive unit.
Lamour completed the Hawks' All-Conference selections with Honorable Mention recognition following a versatile senior campaign. The Valley Stream native finished with six points on two goals and two assists, using his speed and creativity to consistently influence play along the wings. A dangerous presence with the ball at his feet, Lamour regularly challenged opposing defenders, carving out space and creating opportunities for SUNY New Paltz's attacking unit. His ability to take on defenders, stretch the field and deliver service into dangerous areas made him a valuable contributor to the Hawks' offense throughout the season.
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