Three Men’s Soccer Sophomores Moving on to Play D1
Daytona State College Men’s Soccer is proud to announce that three players will be moving on to play at the NCAA Division 1 level. Emmanuel Denis, Jacob Restrepo, and Carlos Zambrano will be joining their new programs starting January 2024.
Emmanuel Denis (Paris, France) - Oral Roberts University
Having started in all but two games during his two seasons with the Falcons, Denis will be joining the Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles. As a leader in the midfield, Denis was named Region 8 Freshmen of the Year (2022), Region 8 Team of the Year (2022 and 2023), and United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American (2022).
“Emmanuel is arguably the best defensive midfielder Daytona State has had. I know that's a big statement, but I stand by it 100%. He's been an outstanding example, with his humble approach from the training ground to a constant team first mentality,” Coach Joe Avallone on his time working with Emmanuel Denis.
Jacob Restrepo (Orlando, Florida) – Florida Atlantic University
Restrepo transferred to Daytona State College in Spring 2023. In his only season as a Falcon, Restrepo was named as a captain and the leader of the team. He started in 11 of the 12 games he played in and collected 4 assists on the season. The Florida native will be joining the school of his dreams, Florida Atlantic University.
Coach Avallone had this to say about Jacob, “Jacob has been outstanding on and off the field. He was an easy choice for captain. Early in the season he made me aware of what his dream program was coming out of his club career. This young man has worked hard to achieve this and earned his opportunity to join his dream program this Spring.”
Carlos Zambrano (Miami, Florida) – Syracuse University
Leading the Falcons in statistics this season, Zambrano tallied a total of 13 goals and 16 assists for a total of 42 points during his 2 seasons with the Falcons. Zambrano helped send the Falcons to the National Tournament in 2022 when he scored the game winner with seconds left on the clock in the Southeast District Championship. His performance on the field was recognized nationally as he was named the Co-Region 8 Player of the Year (2023), Region 8 Team of the Year (2022 and 2023), NJCAA National Tournament All-Tournament Team (2022), and NJCAA Second Team All-American (2023). Zambrano will be joining Syracuse University.
Coach Avallone on Carlos’s impact in the program, “Carlos has been incredibly impactful for our program throughout his two seasons. Not many players in the country are coming into college soccer at the age of 17 and putting up the numbers he has. I want to wish him the best as he continues his journey.”
This group of Sophomores posted a combined record of 24-6-3, winning a Region 8 championship and a Southeast District Championship along the way. “We will all miss this trio. From their individual personalities to the competitive spirit they brought to the Falcon program they have made a lasting impact. I wish them all the best in the future,” Coach Avallone.