Men's Soccer 2021 Season Preview
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Patchogue, NY| The St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's soccer team is set to return to Danzi Stadium for the first time in nearly two years when they welcome New Jersey City to Patchogue on September 5.
The entire 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and third-year head coach Mark Lugris is set to welcome a squad packed with fresh faces to campus for 2021.
In 2019, the Golden Eagles went 2-12-2 overall and 2-7-2 in Skyline Conference playing, missing out on a playoff berth.
The Returners: Skyline All-Conference First-Team selection Tyler Flaherty returns and will lead SJC from the back in his senior season. The keeper finished second in saves-per-game with 6.23 in 2019.
Senior defender Joel Ulloa will return to central defense, while junior Jahn Castro and senior Adam Murasso bring experience to the midfield.
Forward Kyle Plate, midfielder Kristian Diaz, and defender Francesco Valenti round out the contingent of seven returners from the 2019 campaign.
The Newcomers: A total of 21 players will make their competitive debuts for SJC this fall, some of which took part in a non-traditional practice season in 2020. Sophomore midfielder James Dacos was handed the number 10 shirt and is expected to play a big role. The Wading River native played for Lugris at the youth level.
Freshmen forwards Vincent Mariani and Diego Saravia are two to keep an eye on as well. Charles Grahofke, a 6-1 forward, adds to attacking depth as well.
Expectations: Assistant coach Robert Gomez believes in SJC's fresh squad and feels they'll make some noise this season. He admits opponents are likely to doubt their ability but do so at their own peril. There's a lot of talent in the squad and the coaching staff is excited by its potential.
When they begin: The Golden Eagles open their season on Monday, September 5 when they host NJCU at Danzi Stadium at 3:30 pm. Skyline Conference play opens on Monday, September 13 at Yeshiva (7:30 pm).
