Aug. 28, 2002
When asked how he felt to begin his 25th season at Adelphi, Head Coach Bob Montgomery replied, "The years seem to blow by and it certainly doesn't feel like 25 years. I haven't been tortured that much," says Montgomery. "There is a lot of optimism with each new year. You start over fresh and excited about the possibilities".
The 2002 season, is no exception and goals for the Adelphi University men's soccer team remain the same; capture the Atlantic Soccer Conference (ASC) championship title and earn an automatic NCAA tournament bid, a first for the three-year old conference.
"We are very excited about the ASC automatic bid and the opportunity to compete for a place in the tournament", says Montgomery. "We are looking for an improvement over last year, and this should be possible as we are returning a large part of the team".
In order to accomplish their goals the team must account for the loss Marcin Pachowicz, Adelphi's leading scorer for the past two season and 2000 ASC Player of the Year. In addition to replacing Pachowicz, the Panthers must acclimate an influx of new players, comprised of seven freshman and two transfers.
The Panthers are looking for a better start than 2001, which saw them drop the first five games, before gathering steam to win eight of their last 10 contests. "Last season was a year of maturing for the players and this year will reap the benefits", says Montgomery. "We are adding exciting talent, but more importantly greater depth to the squad."
Adelphi has added quite a few impressive players to an already solid roster. One quick look at the Adelphi roster looks like a meeting at the United Nations. This season's squad consists of players representing seven different countries, including Israel, Sweden and Norway. "The strength of this year's team is its experience," says Montgomery. "We are returning eight starters and have added several quality players at the attack position."
Forward
Adelphi's offense will be led by returning sophomore Jorrell Best. Best, a two-time ASC Rookie of the Week, had a breakthrough season, recovering from an mid-season injury to record three goals and two assists on the season. Adelphi has once again recruited outstanding talent in Padraiq Drew from Dublin, Ireland, who can perform on the left flank and Norweigien transfer Sigurd Riksjford who will add to the attack. Senior Haruto Imamura, a red-shirt in 2001, will join the offensive as well. "Haruto is fast, hardworking and dangerous striker", says Montgomery. "and should compete for playing time as well."
Mark Bojbasa, a freshman from Brooklyn, N.Y., will also compete for playing time at forward.
Midfield
The Panthers midfield returns a variety of veteran talent that saw considerable action in 2001. Anchoring the midfield is senior Anders Salomonsson," Anders is an outstanding ball winner, leader and organizer", says Montgomery. Junior Marlon McEachnie will play a key role as well. "Marlon played both at midfield and forward and will be relied upon to provide service to our forwards as well," says Montgomery".
In addition, returning sophomores
Torgeir Solemdal and
Tal Sheinfeld are coming off a successful freshman season and should add depth to the midfield. " Tal is an attacking midfielder who has excellent vision and passing range," says Montgomery.
Also competing for time at midfield, sophomore Tom Cross and freshmen Rolando Rojas and Konrad Szczepaniec.
Defense
The biggest challenge for Adelphi will be at defense, returning three of six defenders from last season. Montgomery will turn to returning all conference and all-region junior Gary Sullivan, to anchor the defense. " Gary is one of the top marking backs in the country", says Montgomery. "A tenacious one-on-one defender with great tackling ability and unbeatable in the air." Junior Marlon Clarke, a strong fast defender, along with sophomore Dean Marinello will add needed depth. "After overcoming early season injuries, Dean contributed to turning the season around for us in 2001", says Montgomery.
Senior Nick Nowakowski will also be called upon for his experience. "Nick converted from a midfield who played in the back and this year should be one of the most versatile performers", says Montgomery.
Adding strength to defense will be freshman Tal Lahav, a sweeper from Israel. Sophomore transfer Tomas Tassara, a central defender from Argentina should make an impact as well. " Tomas is excellent in the air and his strength is his play making ability from the back," says Montgomery. Freshman Francesco Oddo, a all-city selection from Brooklyn, N.Y. and freshman Greg Bowen, a all-star from Manfield, Mass, complete the Panther defense.
In Goal
For the second consecutive season, the Panthers return all three goalkeepers including returning starters
Igor Yatsenko and
Stephen Elliot. Yatsenko saw the majority of minutes, starting in 11 of 17 games, including five shutouts. Yatsenko, named third-team all-region, led the conference in both save percentage and shutouts. "Steve spent two years at the starting position until last year when Igor stepped in", says Montgomery. "We have good talent and excellent depth at the goalkeeper position." Junior
Tom Cunningham will also compete for playing time this season.
Schedule
The Panthers boast a tough schedule in 2002. Featured in this season's 19-game slate are five teams that competed at the NCAA Tournament last year. Besides the ASC, Adelphi continues to have an outstanding schedule with nationally recognized programs, and several NCAA tournament participants. Adelphi will face four Big East teams and two Ivy League conference schools on their schedule. New York regional contenders Hartwick College, Syracuse University and Columbia University will also prove to be important contests. Adelphi kicks off the season at the Nike Fall Classic, before returning home to host Manhattan College in their season home-opener. This is followed by a string of tough road games against St. John's, Syracuse and Stony Brook. Two of three conference games follow before Adelphi hits the road for a seven game road stand. The Panthers close out the season at home against conference foe Oneonta.
