NE-10 Men’s Soccer Conference Preview 2015

PRESEASON CONFERENCE RANKINGS

View Complete D2 Men’s Soccer Rankings by BennettRank

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Southern New Hampshire Penmen

LOCATION: Manchester, N.H.
COACH: John Taylor was named the new head coach in May. He has been an assistant with the program since 2008.
2014 RECORD: 17-1-2 overall; 11-1-1 NE-10
2014 POSTSEASON: Lost on penalty kicks to LIU Post in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
THE CORNERSTONE: Sr. M/F Sebastian Stezewski (10 goals, 7 assists — led team in points).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Sr. F Jose Seoane (10 goals, 3 assists); Sr. B Jonathan Lupinelli (2 goals, 9 assists); Sr. B Gilbert Manier (5 goals, 2 assists); Jr. M/F Ryan Reynolds (2 goals, 6 assists); So. M Nate Fournier (3 goals).
THE SKINNY?:  The Penmen led the nation in goals scored, averaging 3.9 per game, and return their top scoring threats from that high-powered offense. They don’t have a lot of experience in goal but that shouldn’t matter because the offense will be able to carry this team to another successful season.
Outlook: Southern New Hampshire is the team to beat in the conference and has the talent to be in the hunt for its second national title in three years. The team has motivation after an early exit last year. It will be a surprise if the Penmen aren’t competing for a championship at the end of the year.

Southern Connecticut Owls

LOCATION: New Haven, CT.
COACH: Tom Lang is the head coach of the Owls. He has won 253 games since taking over the program in 1997.
2014 RECORD: 15-5 overall; 10-3 NE-10
2014 POSTSEASON: Lost 1-0 to Merrimack in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
THE CORNERSTONE: Jr. M Markus Jacobsen (10 goals, 3 assists)
THE SUPPORTING CAST: So. F Chae Brangman (6 goals, 4 assists); Jr. M Ignacio Navarro (2 goals, 1 assist); Sr. D Jonas Folstad (1 goal, 1 assist); So. GK Noah Varonier (58 saves, 7 shutouts).
THE SKINNY?: Jacobsen and Brangman give the Owls a dangerous one-two punch. The team’s supporting cast on offense isn’t bad either. The Owls will have the ability to score with anyone, and with an experienced goalie as well, they might be the most complete team in the conference.
Outlook: Southern Connecticut will challenge for the championship and is good enough to make a deep run in the national tourney as well.

Adelphi Panthers

LOCATION: Garden City, NY
COACH: Carlo Acquista is entering his eighth season at Adelphi. He has won 62 games in his time with the Panthers.
2014 RECORD: 12-6-1 overall; 9-4 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: Jr. M Caelan Hueber (7 goals, 1 assist — top returning goal scorer for the Panthers)
THE SUPPORTING CAST: So. M Federico De Oliveira (2 goals, 6 assists); Sr. M/F Shane McLaughlin (3 goals, 1 assist); Sr. M John Stojcevski (1 goal, 2 assists); So. M Matt Giaconnelli (2 goals).
THE SKINNY?:  With one of its top scorers back in Hueber, Adelphi will take aim at being a contender for the league championship. In order to do it, the Panthers will need others to step up.
Outlook: Not sure if the Panthers are good enough to win an NE-10 title, but they should finish in the top three and maybe have a shot at playing in the NCAA tournament.

Stonehill Skyhawks

LOCATION: Easton, Mass.
COACH: Jim Reddish is an alum of Stonehill and is going into his eighth season as the head coach. He was named the the coach of the year in the conference this past year.
2014 RECORD: 11-6-1 overall; 9-4 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: Sr. F Drew Montano (7 goals, 5 assists);
THE SUPPORTING CAST: So. D Connor O’Brien (5 goals, 2 assists); Sr. M Richard Aprile (3 goals, 4 assists);  Sr. M Craig Moreau (2 goals, 1 assist); Sr. F James O’Shea (2 goals, 1 assist); Sr. GK Luke Besse (39 saves, 3 shutouts).
THE SKINNY?:  Stonehill returns a strong cast of offensive players and its balance should prove beneficial in a tough league. Besse also gives the team a veteran presence in goal.
Outlook: The Skyhawks came up with their highest win total since 1993 a year ago. They have the potential to be even better this year. If their defense can make improvements on last season, the Skyhawks will at least be in the discussion for a title and NCAA tournament berth.

Merrimack Warriors

LOCATION: Andover, Mass.
COACH: Tony Martone is a veteran coach. He will enter his 34th season at Merrimack this year and led the Warriors to their 11th consecutive winning season. He has won 333 games.
2014 RECORD: 15-5-2 overall; 8-3-2 NE-10
2014 POSTSEASON: Lost 2-0 to LIU Post in Sweet 16.
THE CORNERSTONE: Sr. M/F Auugusto Silva (8 goals, 4 assists — led team in goals scored).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Jr. M/F Alexander Alleyne (5 goals); So Michael Dushman (5 goals); Jr. M/F Oscar Zepeda Cagide (3 goals, 3 assists); Jr. B Julio Leon Garcia (3 goals, 2 assists); Jr. B Joseph Briers (3 goals, 2 assists); So. F Juan Meza (3 goals, 1 assist).
THE SKINNY?: The majority of key offensive players are back for Merrimack, which scored 44 goals last year. The Warriors don’t have much experience at the goalie position but should be able to overcome that because of the experience they have at other positions.
Outlook: The Warriors reached the regional final for the first time in program history and  are no doubt good enough to make another run in the national tournament. The taste of success they received last year will serve as added motivation.

Le Moyne Dolphins

LOCATION: Syracuse NY
COACH: Tom Bonus is going into his 14th season with the Dolphins. He has won 148 games during that stretch and was the coach of the year in the conference in 2004.
2014 RECORD:  12-6 overall; 8-5 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: So. M Adam Resetarits (3 goals, 2 assists — finished third on the team in points).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Sr. M Anthony Scaravillo (3 goals, 1 assist); So. F Jacob Borssen (3 goals, 1 assist); So. B Nick Rauscher (1 goal, 1 assist); So. B/M James Goodridge (3 assists); So. GK Ben Beaury (61 saves, 8 shutouts).
THE SKINNY?:  The Dolphins don’t have that one dominant scorer but they have a strong group of players who are capable of stepping up on any given night. Balance will be the key to success for Le Moyne. It doesn’t hurt that the Dolphins have an experienced goalie as well.
Outlook: Le Moyne will definitely be one of the better teams in the conference this year. If it can catch a few breaks along the way, perhaps it can finish in the top three in the conference standings. The Dolphins shouldn’t finish any worse than sixth.

Franklin Pierce Ravens

LOCATION: Rindge, N.H.
COACH: Roy Fink is headed into his first season as the head coach. He is no stranger to the NE-10, having coached at New Haven the past three seasons.
2014 RECORD: 9-7-1 overall; 7-5-1 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: Sr. F Marius Preber (6 goals, 1 assist — finished second on the team in points).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Sr. M Lorris Cortijo (4 goals, 4 assists); Jr. F Dallas Donovan (6 goals); Jr. M George Levantakis (3 assists); Jr. F Andrew Lavoie (1 goal); Jr. M John Lochhead (1 goal); Jr. M Casey Schehl (1 goal); So. GK Jordan Leguyader (55 saves, 3 shutouts).
THE SKINNY?: Fink is coming into a good situation at Franklin Pierce as experience is not in short supply for the Ravens. They have several players capable of leading the way on any given night and a goalie that should be even better with a year of experience under his belt at the college level.
Outlook: The Ravens might not be the most talented team in the conference, but they have the talent and potential to be one of the better teams. Look for Franklin Pierce to win at least 10 games and be a tough out in the NE-10 tourney.

American International Yellow Jackets

LOCATION: Springfield, Mass.
COACH: Luke Perry is the interim coach of the Yellow Jackets and has been a graduate assistant with the team the past two seasons.
2014 RECORD: 9-9 overall; 6-7 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: Sr. F Ed Sharman (8 goals, 4 assists — led team in goals and points).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Sr. F Alec Cerquiera (3 goals, 4 assists); Sr. B/M Frazer Cronin (2 goals, 4 assists); Jr. M Juan Correa (1 goal, 2 assists); Sr. M Kyle Kazuknyas (1 goal, 1 assist); Jr. GK Sebastian Tamayo (94 saves, 3 shutouts).
THE SKINNY?:  Sharman will give the Yellow Jackets a huge lift offensively and there shouldn’t be a problem with others stepping up around him. One of the keys to success for AIC is being able to limit the number of shots opponents taken. Tamayo faced 315 a year ago.
Outlook: AIC is in the midst of a transition period but should be able to move past that and put together a winning season.

Bentley Falcons

LOCATION: Waltham, Mass.
COACH: Gary Crompton enters his eighth season as the head coach of the Falcons. He has won 58 games while at Bentley.
2014 RECORD: 6-10-1 overall; 5-7-1 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: Sr. Nick Hoffman (3 goals, 2 assists — led team in goals scored).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Sr. Marty Ryan (1 goal, 4 assists); So. Evan Hassett (2 goals, 2 assists); Jr. Lucas Pagano (1 goal, 1 assist); So. Sean Sullivan (2 goals); So. Tommy Nickerson (1 goal, 1 assist); Sr. Jack Blatchford (73 saves, 3 shutouts).
THE SKINNY?:  Bentley only scored 20 goals last season and could have a difficult task raising that number this season. Only three players are back who scored at least two goals. The Falcons will have be very strong defensively to have success.
Outlook: The Falcons missed the conference tourney for the first time in 2007 last year. It won’t be easy getting there this year but expect Bentley to at least be in the mix for a tourney berth late in the season.

Saint Michael’s Purple Knights

LOCATION: Colchester, VT.
COACH: Wade Jean is going into his sixth season overall at St. Michael’s. He was the head coach there in 2006 and 2007 before returning to the position in 2012. He has won 41 games at the school.
2014 RECORD: 9-8 overall; 5-8 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE:  Jr. F Aaron DaCosta (1 goal, 3 assists – finished third on the team in points).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Sr. M Thomas Antensaye (2 goals); Jr. M Matt Vlasich (1 goal, 1 assist); So. M/B Jackson Steele (1 goal, 1 assist).
THE SKINNY?: Finding players to contribute at a high level offensively will be key for the Purple Knights, who return only one player that scored at least two goals. St. Michael’s is also inexperienced at goal.
Outlook: It’s going to take time for the Purple Knights to get on track. The early part of the year could be tough, but if this team can get into a rhythm as the year rolls on, they have a chance to finish strong and maybe have a winning season.

Saint Anselm Hawks

LOCATION: Manchester, N.H.
COACH: Christian Gagnon will be in his second season as the head coach. He is a former player for the Hawks and was an assistant for nine seasons.
2014 RECORD: 5-11 overall; 4-9 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: Jr. Jack Lynch (4 goals, 2 assists)
THE SUPPORTING CAST: So. Jack Heintzelman (1 goal, 4 assists); Sr. Colin Mahoney (3 goals); Sr. D Sean Smith (2 goals, 3 assists); Jr. GK Stephen McLeod (42 saves, 3 shutouts).
THE SKINNY?:  The Hawks should be an improved team offensively after managing only 13 goals last year. Lynch and Mahoney bring experience to the offensive side of the ball and Smith has proven he can be productive out of his defender position. Cutting down on the goals allowed is going to be key. The Hawks gave up 34 a year ago.
Outlook: Saint Anselm isn’t likely to contend for a spot in the conference tournament. But if the Hawks can put together a winning season, it’s a huge accomplishment considering where they finished last year.

Assumption Greyhounds

LOCATION: Worcester, Mass.
COACH: DJ Carrao is heading into his second season as the head coach of the Greyhounds. He played his college soccer at Division I Fordham.
2014 RECORD: 3-11-2 overall; 3-8-2 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: Jr. M Sarandon Dias (3 goals, 1 assist — tied for the team lead in goals scored).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Jr. F Ethan Morrow (2 goals, 1 assist); So. M Dillon Foley (2 goals); Sr. M Nemanja Kaurin (3 assists); Jr. M Madison Barnwell (1 goal); Jr. D Zack Scafati (1 goal); Jr. M Matt Gilson (1 goal); Jr. GK Dana King (87 saves, 1 shutout).
THE SKINNY?:  The Greyhounds aren’t loaded with players who can put up big numbers offensively, but they do have a solid cast of returning players who will use their experience to their advantage. They also have an experienced goalie. It’s worth noting as well that Assumption’s recruiting class consists of seven players, including Justin Hansen, a New York area high school player who helped lead his club team to the Disney Showcase championship in 2014.
Outlook: Assumption should be a much better team than it was last season. Putting together a winning season in league play would be a huge step in the right direction.

Saint Rose Golden Knights

LOCATION: Albany, NY
COACH: Steve Hogan enters his second season as the coach of the Golden Knights. Hogan was an assistant for three years at the school.
2014 RECORD: 1-14-2 overall; 1-11-1 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: Sr. M Marco Pavlin (4 goals, 1 assist — led team in goals and points).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Sr. M/F Nick Iuorno (3 goals, 1 assist); So. M/F Kledis Capollari (3 goals); Jr. M/F Tyler Casavant (2 goals); Sr. M/F Massimo Smiroldo (1 goal, 1 assist); Sr. M/B Tyler Pomakoy (1 goal, 1 assist); Sr. B Pablo Lajeunesse (1 goal, 1 assist); Sr. GK Colan Balkwell (51 saves).
THE SKINNY?:  Most of the scoring threats are back for the Golden Knights, who finished with 17 goals last season. The experience Saint Rose has offensively should lead to a more productive offense and more wins. Balkwell will be vital to the team’s success as well after allowing just under two goals per game.
Outlook: Saint Rose has the pieces in place to be better off than it was a year ago. If the Golden Knights end the year with seven or eight wins, it would be an impressive accomplishment.

New Haven Chargers

LOCATION: West Haven, CT
COACH: Don Hathorn is entering his first season as the head coach of the Chargers. He has coached at the Division I level at Iona, Niagara and Valparaiso.
2014 RECORD: 2-15 overall; 1-12 NE-10
THE CORNERSTONE: So. M/F Louis Tambini (3 goals, 2 assists — finished third on the team in points).
THE SUPPORTING CAST: Jr. M/F Rob Poirer (3 goals, 2 assists) Jr. M/F Will Richard (2 goals, 2 assists) Jr. Alain Laurent (1 goal, 3 assists) Jr. B Emil Thomsen (1 goal, 2 assists); S B/M Ryan Fleming (1 goal, 1 assist); So. GK Marc Scelsa (75 saves, 2 shutouts).
THE SKINNY?:  The good news for New Haven is it returns several players who contributed on the offensive side of the ball. Using that balance to their advantage is going to be key for the Chargers, who look to overcome a tough two-win season.
Outlook: The Chargers are under the direction of a new head coach who understands what it takes to win. It won’t happen overnight, but Hathorn should be able to use this season to begin getting the Chargers back on track.