Bobby Martinez – Sports Reporter
After defeating Franklin Pierce University during last season’s Northeast-10 Conference quarterfinal 2-1, Owls men’s soccer team had that win revoked after using an ineligible player ending their season short.
With a final record of 10-5-1, the Owls kicked off practice late this season said, Owls head coach Tom Lang but is confident his team will be ready for their season opener against No. 8 nationally ranked LIU-Post.
“We came into camp the September 21 which is kind of later than usual,” said Lang. “We have been worrying about ourselves and what we need to do to become a better team. I’m excited about the progress we have made so far because we really been concentrating on the things we need to work on based off of last year as well.”
Junior midfielder Steven Smith, said last season ended on a negative note but his team is ready to move on and make this season a memorable one.
“Last season there was some issues in the locker room and at the end of the year also,” he said. “But it feels much better because everyone is on the same page and the chemistry is really good as well.”
With only three players gone from last year’s team, Smith said this year they have what it takes to go far and compete for a championship.
“We,” said Smith, “have the talent to go deep beyond the season if we can play together throughout the year. We have really good players who can contribute to this team in numerous ways. I think out of the past few years, this team has the most depth.”
Led by junior captains Tyler Naef and Jonas Folstad, Lang said he hopes they can help the team become much more aggressive on both sides of the field.
“We need to be more dangerous in scoring goals,” said Lang, “and tightening up some things in the back as well. Our captains Naef and Folstad are guys we look for leadership and we hope they can help our freshmen from last year that played become more focused and vocal on the field.
Lang said each season expectations are high and he hopes this season can live up to them.
“There are always high expectations with this soccer program,” said Lang, “and we have made improvements over the years each season. We have continued improving and challenging our opponents with the players we bring in.”
After their matchup against LIU Post, the Owls face Mercy College in Garden City, N.Y. Sept. 6. Following that game, the Owls head home for their home opener against Bentley University at Jess Dow Field at 6 p.m. After another road game against Assumption College, the Owls will host two back-to-back home games against College of Saint Rose and Merrimack College.
As for the NE-10 preseason standings, the defending champions Southern New Hampshire University have been ranked number one followed by Merrimack and Adelphi University. The Owls placed fourth in the coaches’ poll with 141 points. Rounding out the top five, Franklin Pierce received 129 points.
The Owls face the defending champions at home Oct. 11 at 5 p.m.
