Albertus Magnus College Falcons Men’s Soccer to Contend For GNAC Title in 2010
The Albertus Magnus College Men’s Soccer Team returns 14 players from last season including 12 who were significant contributors to the 2009 team success that had a record of 10-7-1. The Falcons also welcome a very strong recruiting class with 11 new players joining the team this fall. The Falcons have high expectations this season as they look to capture GNAC title and automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. Albertus will be lead by co-captains senior Pete Hamasian (Hamden,CT) and 2009 All GNAC forward junior Jamal Howard (West Haven, CT), who both have played significant roles for the Falcons the past two seasons and look to lead a very talented Falcons roster.
Goalkeepers: The Falcons have two very talented goalkeepers challenging for the starting spot this season with freshman Francois Brown (New Haven, CT) and Donato Piroscafo (Naugatuck, CT) both having strong performances so far in preseason. Each have a good mix of talent, size, and athletic ability that should help solidify the goalkeeping position this year for the Falcons.
Defenders: The defense should be the strength of the Falcons team with all 4 starters returning from last season in which they posted 9 shutouts as a unit a year ago. Senior Pete Hamasian (Hamden, CT) will once again be the starter at right back along with junior Tim Mikita (Ansonia, CT) will be at the other outside back position. Both center backs are back in very talented sophomores Chris Long (West Haven, CT) and 2009 All GNAC selection Nick Hamasian (Hamden, CT). Together they formed one of the best center back combinations the Falcons have had in the last few years. Also returning is sophomore Jake Weisslender (New Haven, CT) who was the Falcons main reserve off the bench in the back and saw significant action last season. Freshmen Mike Ingeno (Meriden, CT), Dan Foldy (Woodbridge, CT), Mike Doyle (Seymour, CT) and senior Dave Dziezynski (Waterbury, CT),who is returning after being missing last season due to injury, are challenging the returning starters in preseason and look to provide quality depth to the defense this season.
Midfield: The Falcons midfield will be led by talented sophomore Stephen Zapata (Hamden, CT) as he will be returning as one of the teams central midfielders this season after being the teams 2nd leading scorer last season. Other returning starters to the midfield this season are sophomore Taylor Sasloe (Norwalk, CT) who has been battling injuries so far this preseason and junior Ian Gaither (Meriden, CT). Sophomore James Luchessi (Norwalk, CT) has impressed so far this preseason and looks to help solidify the midfield. Talented freshman Gabe Goja (Naugatuck, CT) also has looked impressive this preseason and will see time both at outside midfield and at forward. Freshman Zach Campbell (East Haven, CT), freshman Josue Galo (New Haven, CT), and junior Bryan Barrera (Stamford, CT) who is returning after sitting out last season, look to provide a lot of talent and depth to the midfield.
Forwards: Albertus will be led by 2009 All GNAC forward Jamal Howard (West Haven, CT) as he finished the 2009 season as the Falcons leading goal scorer and leader in points. Also having an impressive preseason is sophomore Alphonse Buccitti (West Haven, CT), who has improved steadily over his first season and looks to be one of the keys pieces of the offense. Also returning is senior Matt Siperas (North Haven, CT) who has been a key reserve off the bench the last few seasons. Talented freshman Rafa Guillen (Bakersfield, CA) will be challenging the starters at forward as well in the midfield this season. Rounding out the forwards will be freshmen Dan Dwyer (Hamden, CT) and Saravuth Kuch (New Haven, CT) who will both add depth to the frontline.
