MEADVILLE, Pa. - After a two season hiatus from postseason play, the 2010 Allegheny Gators men’s soccer team is poised to once again become a mainstay in the NCAC playoff picture. As a result of narrowly missing the playoffs in 2008 for the first time since 1997, the Gators took a step backwards in 2009 finishing in a tie for seventh place in the NCAC with an overall record of 7-9-1, and a 2-6-1 mark in conference play. Heading into his 10th year as head men’s soccer coach, Angelo Panzetta is optimistic that 2010 will be a different story at season’s end as he will field a team that gained valuable playing experience last season and returns with a solid mix of youth and experience.
The mix that Panzetta will rely on in 2010 comes in the return of six seniors, five of which have been consistent starters in their careers including last season, and 10 sophomores that earned letters a year prior as freshmen. The senior class will be called upon to provide leadership both on and off the pitch to help close the gap of collegiate playing experience among the team. Senior captains D.J. Egan and Seth Young will be at the forefront of the leadership efforts. This will be Young’s second consecutive selection, while Egan enters into his first season as appointed team captain. Along with Egan and Young, the four remaining seniors, Colin Doherty, Ryan Fetterolf, Pete Subasic, and Brian Terpin will be key contributors once again this season.
Another source of optimism for Panzetta and the Gator coaching staff will be the open competitions at every spot. With the number of returning underclassmen that saw time last season and a solid recruiting class coming in, the Gators will have the luxury of depth from their younger players. Panzetta believes that the competition in camp for playing time will be the best he has had during his time at Allegheny and that the level of play will only help make the team stronger. “I am anxious to see the team compete in preseason and see how the returners have built on their experiences and improved as players,” said Panzetta.
One of the biggest competitions going into this season will be at goalkeeper. Andrew Shirley was the man between the posts last season as a freshman, starting all 17 games and notching 60 saves. In total, the Gators will bring five goalkeepers to camp. Heading into preseason, Shirley has the most collegiate experience, but will be pushed by the return of sophomore Dan Marcus, and the arrival of freshmen John Lichina, Michael Severyn, and Scott Golightly.
At the forward position, the Gators will be young, but talented. Sophomore Chris Brennan came on during the latter part of the season starting the final six games. The strong finish from Brennan propelled him to the top of several team offensive categories, including leading the team in points scored (12) and tied for the lead in goals (5). Those numbers helped tab Brennan as a NCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention selection. Conor Azevedo and Andrew Zimmer return as sophomores up front for the Gators and bring with them speed and athleticism. With his 6’2” frame, freshman Brian Graham provides needed size to the forward position and has a chance to contribute as a rookie. Junior Dillon Otten and freshman Paul Teufel will round out the forward competition.
The midfield will be one of the spots with the most playing experience from the returners. Pete Subasic, who led the team in goals his freshman and sophomore seasons will transition back to the center-mid slot after spending last season as a forward for the Blue and Gold. Subasic will provide the position with more size to go along with his scoring abilities. Alongside Subasic will be senior captain D.J. Egan. Egan tied Brennan for the team lead in goals (5) and controls the midfield for the Gators. Matt Weintraub and Travis Tasker are a year older in their development and will continue to push the starters. Freshmen Andrew Miller, Vincent Reginella, and junior Alex Gazis will add depth to the competition for the entire unit.
One of the outside-mid positions will be filled by a familiar face in Ryan Fetterolf. Fetterolf has three years of experience at the position. Sophomores Ethan Green, Tyler Danzey, and junior Arthur Smith will be in the mix as well and provide depth. Sophomore Jake Brezinsky, and freshmen Daniel McCann and Cody Young will also be a part of the outside midfield competition.
The backfield for the Gators will have a few familiar faces as the entire unit looks to improve and strengthen. Senior Brian Terpin comes back as a starter to the center-back slot, a role he has assumed the past two seasons. Sophomores Tim Egan and Joe Caruso, after solid springs, will be in the discussion for playing time this season as well. Freshman Frankie LaManna will add depth at the position and along with the return of Jason Dempsey will provide a push to the entire backfield.
Outside-back will be anchored by second year senior captain Seth Young. Young has been a regular starter since his sophomore year. The versatility of senior Colin Doherty throughout his career will be tested again as he moves to the backline for the 2010 season after a solid spring. Adding to the depth of the outside-back position will be sophomore Michael Iacono, who had six starts last season, and freshman Alex Etherington. Michael McCann and Laith Zuraikat return as juniors to compete for playing time along with freshman Mark Burkhart.
Panzetta sees a lot of strengths and potential in his 2010 squad. “I like our athleticism and overall team speed, and I hope that will allow us to create some match-up problems.”
The Gators kick off the 2010 season on September 1 as they host Mt. Union at Frank B. Fuhrer Field at Robertson Complex beginning at 4 pm.