St. Lawrence men's soccer season preview
Aug. 31: The nationally ranked #2 St. Lawrence University men's soccer team is set to open its 2012 campaign this weekend at the Lotto Classic hosted by Clarkson University. While the Saints returned more regional and national All-Americans than seen in the past, head coach Bob Durocher believes that the team's success will only come when the reserve group of players competes at a level just below the starters.
Several key players are battling injury early this season, but the 2012 Saints squad has the potential for a deep run into the NCAA Tournament if it can show resiliency.
"The goals and expectations are the same for this team as any team that I have coached," said Coach Durocher, who enters his 23rd season at the helm of the program with a 275-93-38 record. "Through dedication and promise, hard work, sacrifice, commitment and all-encompassing discipline, we will succeed for ourselves and each other. We will create a responsible, positive and resilient atmosphere that will allow us to recover and learn from our small mistakes and our huge failures to emerge as a stronger team."
St. Lawrence, which finished 2011 with an 18-1-1 mark, returns 22 members of last year's squad which saw its season end in a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss at home to SUNY Oneonta in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinal. Coach Durocher welcomed a technically sound and tactically savvy group of 12 first-years, and believes the keys to this season are simple.
"We must hold on to our passion for the game and maintain an unwavering team-first attitude," said Coach Durocher. "This allows for open communication, open mindedness and constructive criticism that will take this team's potential and turn it into reality. We require unquestioned loyalty to the Scarlet and Brown, our teammates, and ourselves. Ultimately, we must without regret take responsibility for this season's outcome."
FORWARDS: St. Lawrence, which outscored its opponents 47-8 in 2011, returns the majority of its offensive firepower, bringing back eight of the top-9 scorers. The Saints also return 2010 First Team All-American Brendan Gorman, who missed last fall due to injury. Second Team All-Conference selection Brian Gilloran, who provided outstanding play on the front line last season, will play alongside fifth-year senior Dan Marvin. Jamal Samaroo and Brenton Jones are still nursing injury but could return along with Yanick Brown and Jeremiah Bunton, who both gave good minutes on the offensive end last season. In addition to the returning forwards, first-year student Ozzy Morales has been impressive in the preseason, while Praveen Balakumaran and Manny Collins have also shown promise of things to come.
MIDFIELD: Two-time All-American and the 2011 D3Soccer.com Midfielder of the Year, Sam DeMello returns for his senior season, though is coming off a summer injury. He re-wrote the single season record for points last year with 38 (14g, 10a), and should be at full strength by the start of Liberty League play. First Team Regional All-American Andrew Bednarsky joins DeMello with strong play in the midfield, while Shaka Pilgrim and Mark Provost have both shown consistency in preseason. First-year student Ryan Grant, arguably the Saints most technical and crafty rookie, could add skill to the midfield, but may also see a starting spot as an outside back or wing. Austin Alphonse, also a first-year, has shown that he can be effective in the midfield during preseason as well. In the holding midfield position, Nick Lincoln has shown consistency, while first-year student Johnny Mendoza brings a clean and accurate distribution touch.
BACKS: First Team All-American and Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year Alex Laird returns for his senior season and will anchor the Saints' defense, along with four-year starter Will Congdon. JJ Tipton, who had an outstanding junior season, is currently out with an injury. First-year student Harry Copeland will step into his place, while classmate Dan Hunt has also looked solid in the preseason. First-year students Seyefe Brouk, Christian Yarros and Claude Mumbere add depth and talent to the back.
GOALKEEPERS: Senior goaltender Nate Goss-Woliner returns after a season of nagging injuries and will look to continue where he left off after a successful sophomore season between the pipes two years ago. Sophomore Aaron Costello, who came into preseason ready to compete for a starting role, is currently out with an injury. However, first-year student Ryan Roethel has been impressive and will be ready to compete when called upon.
The Saints open the 2012 campaign on the road today at 4:00 pm, squaring off with Endicott at the Lotto Classic hosted by Clarkson. They will battle the University of La Verne on Saturday at 6:00 pm.
