Stevens returns solid defense for another run at the title

By Stevens Institute Sports Information

After back-to-back NCAA Round of 16 appearances, six straight Empire 8 Athletic Conference titles, 12 straight NCAA tournament appearances and with eight full-time starters returning, the Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team looks equipped to once again contend with the rest of the nation's elite. 
 
On the heels of a 2012 campaign that ended with a No. 10 national ranking and second consecutive 18-3-1 record, the Ducks enter the 2013 season with a preseason ranking of No. 13. Far from looking ahead to the postseason, however, they are focused intently on getting off to a good start.
 
"We're going into the season just like any other – focusing on the way we want to play," Head Coach Devin Rensing said.  "If we play our style of soccer, with the soccer players we have we are confident that the results will come.  As far as pre-season polls and predictions go, it's always flattering to be recognized, but in the end they're just opinions; what we do on the field is what really matters."
 
It all starts at the back for the Ducks – senior goalkeeper Paul Killian was named the National Goalkeeper of the Year by D3Soccer.com after posting the second-best save percentage (.910) in Division III and allowing a meager 0.33 goals against average. Playing behind an experienced backline that returns all four starters from last season, including a trio of seniors, Killian is poised to make a run at Stevens legend Zach Carr's goals against average (0.29) and shutout (16 – twice) records after posting 12 clean sheets in 2012.
 
"Paul is maybe, in my opinion, one of the best – if not the best – goalkeepers in Division III soccer," Rensing said. "He's been outstanding for the past 2 years, and beyond that he is just a fantastic leader."
 
With seniors Leonardo Casas,Zeke Hemme and Jasim Mobaidin holding down the left back and center back roles, respectively, and sophomore Harrison Kane returning at right back, the Ducks easily boast one of the most imposing defensive units in the country. Casas returns for his fourth year as a starter on the heels of Second Team All-America (D3Soccer.com) and Third Team All-East Region honors, with the towering 6'3" Hemme coming off a First Team All-Empire 8 selection and Kane a Second Team All-Empire 8 selection having seen the most minutes (1,737) of any field player for Stevens last year.
 
"Our three seniors on the back line are really good players," Rensing said.  "They are all ball-winners and fantastic with the ball.  Harrison is one of the smartest players I've ever had the privilege to coach – he plays like a senior."
 
Another pair of upperclassmen return in the center of the park; senior Curtis Stecyk and junior Kevin Calloway were named First Team and Honorable Mention All-Empire 8, respectively, last year and look to form the heart of the Ducks' possession-based style of play again this season. A fixture in the Starting 11 all three years, Stecyk has more license to maraud forward to join the attack, although Calloway has shown the ability to do so as well when the team is properly balanced. Senior Edward Rupp and junior Quinn Conner also return on the wings and will look to make an impact with their runs and crossing.
 
"Curtis and Kevin are exceptional ball-winners as well, great with the ball and they do an outstanding job of making sure everyone on the team is involved in the attack," Rensing said. "The two of them should form one of the best central combos in the nation. Eddie is an outstanding athlete who is still getting better by the day, and Quinn is steady as a rock. Both have developed good chemistry with their partners in defense, allowing our wide defenders to overlap and join in the attack."
 
Two-time First Team All-Empire 8 and 2011 CoSIDA Academic All-District choice, senior Stephen Dunbar, returns to lead the attack. After a nine-goal campaign (tied-second on the team) that included a team-high-tying four game-winners, the veteran could be poised to take a huge step forward as the Ducks' clear primary option up top.
 
The Ducks return another formidable attacker who was arguably the most potent goalscorer last season despite coming off the bench in 11 of his 14 matches. Sophomore forward Joe Cellitti tied for second on the team in goals (nine) and points (23, with five assists) despite playing fewer than 800 minutes.
 
Sophomore Colin Phillips is another key returning player who will be joined by several newcomers who could fight their way into the mix as well. Sophomore forward Carson Pryor joins after a year at Division I Loyola University Maryland, while highly touted freshmen Nick DeFelice, Patrick Masur and Jay Mikula will be eager to contribute in the midfield and up front.
 
The Ducks will know where they stand early enough as they are scheduled to face St. Lawrence University, a perennial top team and ranked No. 20 in the preseason poll, on Friday, August 30.
 
"We return a large core of our guys from last year, and really the past two years," Rensing said.  "We have guys who are really good soccer players, not just athletes.  With our technical ability and guys who can hold the ball and win it back, we become a very difficult team to score against.  We don't change for anybody; if we play our style of soccer we can beat anyone in the country."