College Soccer

Pitt’s Valentin Noel earns All-American honors for the second time

by
John Krysinsky
December 9, 2022

Photo courtesy Pitt Athletics

On the same day as his team’s biggest match of the season, Pitt senior midfielder Valentin Noel was named United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American on Friday afternoon, as announced by the organization. Noel has now earned the All-American recognition twice in his Pitt career.

Overall, the Panthers have seen just two players earn United Soccer Coaches All-American honors as Noel and former teammate Jasper Löeffelsend have each secured the recognition twice in their careers.

Noel, a First Team All-American in 2020, was named Third Team All-American after leading the Panthers’ attack all season long.

The Niort, France native has been dynamic for the Panthers this season as he leads the Panthers and ranks second in the ACC in goals (12) while also leading the squad and ranking tied for second in the conference in points (25). Noel has turned up his play in the postseason as he has four goals and eight points in the last three wins for the Panthers as they downed #16 Akron, #1 Kentucky and Portland to advance to the College Cup.

For his career, Noel currently ranks second in program history in goals (35) while ranking third in points (83). He is just one point and two goals shy of taking over the program record for goals and points in a career. The senior also leads all active ACC players in career shots (171), points (83) and goals (35).

Earlier this week, Noel and Filip Mirkovic were named First Team All-South Region. Noel became the first three-time All-Region honoree in program history while also earning First Team All-ACC honors for the second time in his impactful career at Pitt.

For the full list of United Soccer Coaches All-Americans, click HERE.

Noel has helped the Panthers post a 12-4-5 overall record so far this season while also securing a spot in the 2022 College Cup. The College Cup trip marks the second in program history and the second in three seasons for Pitt.

The Panthers continue their NCAA Tournament run tonight at 8:30 pm as they host #13 Indiana in the College Cup Semifinals. Friday’s game will air live on ESPNU.

Pitt’s Valentin Noel and Jasper Löeffelsend earn school’s first-ever All-American soccer honors

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).