Men's Soccer Daily Update
2015 Men's Soccer Press Clippings

The Binghamton men's soccer team enters the 2015 campaign with one of its youngest teams in program history. Head coach Paul Marco, who is entering his 14^th season at the helm of the Bearcat program, welcomed 16 newcomers this preseason -- all but one of whom are freshmen.
 
Despite the team's youth, Marco has been impressed with both the talent and work ethic of the freshman class. In addition, he has been pleased with the way the veterans have set an example for the younger players.
 
"I am really looking forward to this fall season," he said. "We have so many new faces but they all seem to be competing very hard.  Our returning guys have done such a great job welcoming our younger guys. They have led the team quite well and our younger guys have been great in following."
 
Binghamton advanced to the America East semifinals last year for the first time since 2008. The Bearcats advanced out of the quarterfinals with a shootout victory over Stony Brook. It also marked their first home conference tournament game since 2008.
 
"Our guys got a taste of success last year," Marco said. "Anytime you can keep playing and going further in the postseason, it helps build for the following year. Our returning guys will realize the importance of the conference matches and come October, I think we should be in a very good place."
 
GOALKEEPER
 
Junior Robert Moewes has already received plenty of attention during the preseason, having been named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List. In 2014, he was the America East Goalkeeper of the Year and was named first-team all-region.
 
"I think that Robert has done a very good job of assessing the areas that he needs to improve in," Marco said. "He is obviously a very good goalkeeper and obviously other people think that besides us. He goes out everyday and competes for us to win games."
 
Backing up Moewes are freshmen Ryan Havdala and Chris Shutler.
 
BACKS
 
Junior Zach Galluzzo is the top returner from last season, having been named to the America East All-Tournament team. Senior Tucker Sandercock, who has also played in the midfield, as well as juniors Mike Kubik and Connor Nealis, are the other top veterans in the backfield.
 
Zach Pogrob, who redshirted last season in his rookie year, is also on the depth chart on defense.
 
Three rookies who have been emerging in the back line have been Adam Blackwell, Shervin Mohajeri and Kevin Flesch.
 
"I think right now we are six or seven deep in the backfield," Marco said. "Their presence and communication has been quite good as a group.
 
MIDFIELD
 
Binghamton's youth will be most evident in the midfield.
 
Freshmen Kristian Piippo and Miles Burbank have seen extensive time in the central midfield. Fellow rookies Karamo Diaby, Conrad Nowowiejski, Paul Polianidis, Harrison Weilbacher and Connor McKnight are also in the mix.
 
Seniors Pascal Trappe and Bret Celeste are the top two veterans. Trappe can also play at forward while Celeste can play at either holding midfield or center back.
 
"We have a lot of new faces in midfield but they are good faces," Marco said. "They have done a very nice job so far for us."
 
Freshman Florian Orth is an option at either midfield or on the backline.
 
FORWARD
 
Trappe, who has struggled with injuries the past two seasons, is finally healthy and is poised to make a significant impact up front. Two other veteran forwards are junior Logan Roberts and sophomore Alex Varkatzas.
 
"Pascal and Logan have both done very well up front," Marco said. "Alex has done quite good in our training sessions during the preseason."
 
Sophomore Ben Ovetsky, meanwhile, is seeking to bounce back from an off-season injury.
 
Among the freshmen who could contribute up front this year are Diaby, Nikko Psarras, Ben Orr and Stephen McKenna.
 
SCHEDULE
 
Binghamton opens up on August 28 at the Ohio State/Ira and Bert Wolstein Classic. From there, the Bearcats have home non-conference games against Manhattan (Sept. 7), St. Peter's (Sept. 9), Siena (Sept. 19) and Princeton (Sept. 26). On the road, they are at Marist (Sept. 12), Cornell (Sept. 15), Syracuse (Sept. 22) and St. Bonaventure (Sept. 30).
 
America East Conference play begins on Oct. 3 at Vermont. One week later (Oct. 10), Binghamton host its Homecoming Game against UMass Lowell.  Also on the road, the Bearcats are at New Hampshire (Oct. 14), Hartford (Oct. 17) and Stony Brook (Oct. 30). At home, they host UMBC on Oct. 24 and Albany on Nov. 4.
 
The America East Tournament, which Binghamton has qualified for the past three season, begins on Nov. 7.