Greencastle, Ind. - The DePauw men's soccer team captured back-to-back NCAC Tournament Championship titles Saturday afternoon at Reavis Stadium, defeating No. 2 seed Denison 3–1 to secure the conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Junior Sebastian Leon scored twice and senior Julian Bell added a late insurance goal to propel the Tigers to victory in front of a packed home crowd of 150.

Leon was named Tournament MVP, while Sam Ortner, Joey Black, Julian Bell, and Harrison Engel were all named to the 2025 NCAC Men's Soccer All-Tournament Team.

The match opened with high intensity from both sides, and DePauw wasted little time setting the tone with a punishing pace of play on the pitch. In the 22nd minute, Leon struck first, converting a feed from Tye Williams to give the Tigers an early 1–0 lead. Denison threatened moments later with a penalty kick, but the attempt went wide, preserving DePauw's advantage heading into halftime.

Denison equalized just after the break, as Jack Rice found the back of the net in the 50th minute, tying the match at 1-1. The Tigers responded with poise and pace, reclaiming control midway through the second half. In the 69th minute, Leon notched his second goal of the afternoon, and sixth of the season, off a perfect setup from Bell to push DePauw ahead once again.

Bell sealed the win in the 81st minute, driving home an unassisted goal to make it 3-1 and cap off a statement performance with a a surge of energy for the Tigers to carry out the game defensively.

Goalkeeper Sam Ortner anchored the back line with three saves on the day, earning his 11th win of the season. The Tigers and Big Red were even in total shots (11–11), but DePauw held an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal and dictated possession during the decisive second half.

With the victory, DePauw improves to 12-2-5 overall and claims its second NCAC Tournament title since joining the conference. The win also secures the Tigers an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament.

DePauw will learn its national tournament draw during the Division III Men's Soccer NCAA Selection Show on Monday, November 10, at 11:30 a.m. ET on NCAA.com.


2025 NCAC Men's Soccer All-Tournament Team

Jack Commandeur, Kenyon
Isaac Cortez, Kenyon
Robert Hillhouse, Wooster
Eddie Glucksman, Wooster
Zarius Eusebe, Denison
Phil Koutsfitis, Denison
Colin McDonald, Denison
Sam Ortner, DePauw
Joey Black, DePauw
Julian Bell, DePauw
Harrison Engel, DePauw
MVP - Sebastian Leon, DePauw