MADISON, Wis. – Seven Blugold men's soccer players have earned recognition on the 2026 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) All-Conference Team, announced by the conference office on Friday, November 6.
Junior forward Owen Backus (Elkhorn, Wis./Elkhorn), junior defender Baylor Denu (Beloit, Wis./Beloit Memorial), senior midfielder Noah Malcook (Fitchburg, Wis./Oregon), sophomore defender Luis Marquez Sedano (Des Moines, Iowa/West Des Moines Dowling Catholic), junior midfielder Tate McDermott (Grimes, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes), and senior midfielder Andrew Phillips (Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) were named to the All-WIAC Team. Freshman defender Tommy Slater (Northville, Mich./Northville) earned All-WIAC Honorable Mention recognition, while Backus was also selected to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.
Backus paced the Blugolds offensively, racking up six goals and three assists to lead the squad with 15 total points. Backus played all 18 matches, started in 11, and logged 865 minutes on the pitch. He recorded 28 shots, including 11 on goal, and scored one game-winning goal. Backus also earned All-Sportsmanship Team honors.
Denu anchored the Blugold lineup, starting all 18 matches and logging the most time of the team with 1,493 minutes. He recorded three goals one of which was a game-winner, on 11 total shots, with six on goal.
Malcook started all 18 matches for the Blugolds, logging 1,127 minutes. He compiled three goals alongside two assists for eight points, unleashing a team-high 40 shots with 17 on target and scoring one game-winning strike. Malcook was also recognized as the WIAC Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete, awarded to the student-athlete who displays outstanding academic achievement, athletic prowess, and leadership. This is Malcook's third year in a row receiving All-WIAC recognition (2024-26).
Marquez Sedano appeared in 16 matches with 15 starts, logging 1,135 minutes on defense. He generated three goals and five assists for an 11-point output, putting eight of his 14 shot attempts on frame while heavily impacting both transition play and set pieces.
McDermott locked down 17 starts in 17 appearances, logging 1,082 minutes in the midfield. McDermott finished the campaign with two goals and one assist for five points, firing 33 total shots with 11 on target. McDermott has earned All-WIAC status for his third season in a row (2024-26).
Phillips anchored the midfield unit by starting all 18 games, logging 1,363 minutes and registering eight total shots while playing a pivotal role in maintaining structural possession. Phillips was a member of the 2025 All-WIAC Honorable Mention Team.
Slater garnered Honorable Mention recognition following an impressive freshman campaign in which he logged 1,015 minutes across 15 appearances and 11 starts. Slater chipped in one goal—a game-winner—on nine total shots with three on goal.
The Blugolds (9-3-6) return to postseason action on Friday, November 6, as they travel to UW-Whitewater to compete in the WIAC Tournament Semifinals at 7 p.m.
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