2008 Season Preview
The Lasell College Men’s Soccer team boasted an impressive inaugural season in the GNAC in 2007, and is looking to repeat and exceed their successes in the Fall of 2008. The Lasers finished third overall in the conference after making it to the semi-finals of the GNAC tournament. The Lasers finished the season with a 9-2 conference record, and a 10-8 overall record.
Among the returnees for the Lasers are three seniors, forward Joseph Acuek (Lincoln, MA), forward Zach Gagne (Somerset, MA), and full back Jareb Sechrist (Auburn, CA). Gagne led the team in goals (13), points (28), and shots on goal (42) this season and was also named to the GNAC All Conference First Team. Gagne was also ranked 3rd conference wide for goals per game (.72 avg/G) and 5th for points per game (1.56 avg/G).
Also returning for the Lasers is junior goalkeeper Julian Dutton (Madison, CT). Dutton was first in the GNAC in total saves with 113 and ranked second in saves per game, averaging 6.65 per game last season. During the GNAC tournament, Dutton was chosen for the Conference All Tournament Team after a combined 17 saves in two games. With two seasons of competition behind him, Dutton is expected to continue to lead the Lasers on the field. Joining Dutton with a spot on the All Tournament team was sophomore fullback Brandon Hanss (Halifax, MA) who started in 15 of 15 games last season and is instrumental defending the Lasers goal. Gagne and Hanss will be the Lasers team captains for the 2008 season.
Juniors Dylan McNulty (Meriden, CT) and Shane Vinnicombe (Pomfret, CT) will also be returning to share duties in the midfield. Vinnicombe contributed 2 goals and 2 assists last season for a total of 6 points.Sean Fisher (Griswold, CT) will also be in the mix for the Lasers as a defender, along with juniors Paul Meucci (Vernon, CT), Steven Salerno (Stoneham, MA), and first year Rocco Mazzaferro (Niskayuna, NY).
Rounding out the remaining returnees are sophomores Kyle Hermenegildo (Rehoboth, MA), Joshua Martinez (Milton, MA), Steve Petrin (Vernon, CT), Matt Tieri (Billerica, MA) and Eric Swahlan (Ballston Spa, NY). Petrin finished his first year with 3 goals and 2 assists, while Hermenegildo and Tieri each contributed one goal a piece.
First year students Matthew Bruninghaus (Plymouth, MA) and Brett Walberg (Blackstone, MA) will be sharing time in goal with Dutton. Completing the men’s soccer roster will be juniors Tholeman Francios (Stoughton, MA) and Robert Gonzalez (Palmdale, CA) playing forward and midfield respectively, and freshmen Jacob Allen (Westminster, MA), Dylan Janosik (Windham, ME), and Kyle Cronin (Weymouth, MA) playing in the midfield.
The Men’s Soccer team starts their season on Friday, September 5th at the Skidmore College Invitational Tournament. The Lasers return home to open at Taylor Field, Wednesday, September 17th, at 4:00 p.m., when they take on the Cougars of Clark University.
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