Cristian Lopez-Contreras and Joshua Bell have been named NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer All-America honorees, with Lopez selected to the Second Team and Bell earning Third Team distinction.

Cristian Lopez-Contreras (Chambersburg, Pa.) 
Lopez-Contreras emerged as the offensive focal point for the 2025 Harford Fighting Owls. As a sophomore midfielder, he started in 16 of 20 games, showcasing consistency, durability, and leadership in attack. Lopez-Contreras finished the season as Harford's top scorer with 15 goals, the only Owl to reach double figures, and added five assists for 35 points, placing him among the team's most productive playmakers.

Lopez-Contreras's scoring was crucial in several key contests. He sparked Harford's offense in victories like the 4–0 win over Southern Maryland, where he scored in the second half to help seal the result. His ability to finish both in transition and in the attack's build-up made him a constant threat, forcing opponents to adjust their defe-

nsive schemes. In close games Lopez-Contreras's presence helped maintain pressure and possession in the final third.

Beyond pure statistics, his influence elevated the team's rhythm and confidence. Opponents often keyed on him, creating space and opportunities for teammates. His leadership — reflected in his consistent starts and playmaking — helped stabilize the attack throughout the grind of conference play and into postseason positioning.
Joshua Bell (Kingston, Jamaica) 
Bell was a defensive mainstay for the Harford Fighting Owls in 2025, anchoring the back line with reliability and a willingness to contribute going forward. As a sophomore defender from Kingston, Jamaica, Bell appeared in 19 matches and started 17, logging significant minutes and helping shape a more resilient Harford defensive unit.

"[Josh] was what you would want every transfer from a 4-year school to be, an immediate impact player," said head coach Bill Wardle. "Initially, as is to be expected, there were some adjustment issues but quickly, he became an invaluable part of our back line with his speed and athleticism.  He was a huge reason why we were able to play the defensive formation we did and obviously contributed massively to our team posting 8 shutouts."

While his primary role was defensive, Bell made tangible contributions at both ends of the field. He recorded his lone goal of the season on September 11, against Garrett College in an 8-0 route of the Lakers. In the season opener against Prince George's Community College, Bell also helped create offense with an assist on a key goal, demonstrating his ability to impact play beyond traditional defensive duties.

Defensively, Bell's positional awareness and tackling helped Harford withstand pressure in tight matches. His discipline and communication in the back contributed to low concession games like the 1–0 shutout vs. Montgomery College, where organization and defensive poise were critical.

Bell's blend of defensive grit, occasional offensive involvement, and consistent availability made him an important piece of Harford's back line in 2025. His contributions helped balance the team's structure, allowing offensive stars to thrive while maintaining a competitive defensive identity throughout the season.