University of Massachusets Athletics
Cence Joins Sarasota Paradise
February 13, 2026 | Men's Soccer
Matt Cence signs professional contract with Sarasota Paradise.
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts senior midfielder Matt Cence signed his first professional contract with the Sarasota Paradise of the United Soccer League One (USL1).
Cence spent four seasons with the Minutemen, starting in 51 of 69 games played. Through, 4,704 minutes on the field, the Farmington, Connecticut, native tallied 29 points on seven goals and 15 assists. He had 118 shots, including 50 on goal.
The 2025 season saw Cence start in 15 of 17 games for the Minutemen. He totaled 1,420 minutes on the pitch, while tallying 16 points on five goals and a team-best six assists. He led the team with 46 shots, including a team-high 20 shots on goal. The senior ranked 10th in the Summit League with five goals (.295 per game), third in assists with six (.353 per game), sixth in points with 16 (0.94 per game), and fourth in both shots (46) and shots on goal (20).
Additionally, Cence earned 2025 Summit League First Team All-League and Academic All-League honors, while being named to the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Team. He was also placed on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team and advanced to the CSC Academic All-America ballot.
Cence spent four seasons with the Minutemen, starting in 51 of 69 games played. Through, 4,704 minutes on the field, the Farmington, Connecticut, native tallied 29 points on seven goals and 15 assists. He had 118 shots, including 50 on goal.
The 2025 season saw Cence start in 15 of 17 games for the Minutemen. He totaled 1,420 minutes on the pitch, while tallying 16 points on five goals and a team-best six assists. He led the team with 46 shots, including a team-high 20 shots on goal. The senior ranked 10th in the Summit League with five goals (.295 per game), third in assists with six (.353 per game), sixth in points with 16 (0.94 per game), and fourth in both shots (46) and shots on goal (20).
Additionally, Cence earned 2025 Summit League First Team All-League and Academic All-League honors, while being named to the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Team. He was also placed on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team and advanced to the CSC Academic All-America ballot.
Players Mentioned
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