Fitchburg State Ranked Eighth In NESJ DIII Men’s Soccer Poll
Falcons picked eighth in recent New England Soccer Journal DII men's soccer poll
FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Fitchburg State men's soccer team was recently ranked eighth in the New England Soccer Journal's (NESJ) Division III top ten poll, featured in the September issue of the NESJ.
Going into the 2014 NCAA tournament, Tufts was an underdog. Leaving it with a title in tow means they now have a target on their back. After becoming the first program to win the national championship by winning six road games, Tufts begins the season as the top-ranked team in the NSCAA preseason poll. The Jumbos lost more starters (four) than they did total games (two), but they do return seven players that started in the national championship game.
Even though the Jumbos went undefeated in NESCAC play in 2014, the conference is filled with strong competition.
Amherst is ranked 10th in the NSCAA preseason poll, and Trinity also received votes. Williams also poses a threat, but the Ephs are preparing to start a new era after longtime head coach Mike Russo retired after last season. Former Ephs goalie Erin Sullivan takes over after 15 years coaching Western New England. Sullivan starts without 10 graduating seniors from last year, but there are enough pieces to stay competitive. Starting goalie Christian Alcorn, who posted a 0.89 goals-against average and .771 save percentage, is a key figure.
After an 11-win 2013 season, Babson came back even stronger in 2014, winning 17 games and the NEWMAC tournament championship. This group is set up well for a title defense in 2015 with eight starters returning. The Beavers bring back four of their top five scorers to complement the sturdy spine of midfielder Tyler Carlos (who led the league in assists), center backs Andrew Gonzalez and Kofi Abankroh (who both started all 23 games in 2014), and goalkeeper Stephen Donato.
Wheaton could be Babson's toughest NEWMAC competition. The Lyons reached the second round of the NCAA tournament before losing to eventual champion Tufts. They are ranked No. 22 in the NSCAA preseason poll. Brandeis is ranked seventh in the NSCAA preseason poll. In 2014, the Judges ranked third in all of Div. 3 with a 0.38 goals against average. The team graduates goalie Joe Graffy and defender Robbie Lynch, but the defense retains All-American Conor Lanahan and Josh Hacunda. The team boasts depth in the midfield thanks to Josh Ocel, Jake Picard and Brandon Miskin.
Fitchburg State won its first MASCAC tournament title in 2014. Forwards Jared Burns and Zachary Young will have to pick up the scoring pieces left behind by Simon Vikoler. All but one defender return to anchor a defense that posted seven shutouts last fall.
UMass-Boston posted the best season in program history: a record 14 wins, a first LEC championship and a first NCAA tournament appearance. The Beacons had a few seniors that played big roles and will be missed, but it was mostly a young team that returns in 2015. The team's top two scorers, Pedro Dasilva and Edmilson Barros, are back, as is goalkeeper Alfonso Rosales and the entire starting defense. With another year of experience under their belts, it will be interesting how they build upon the success they had last year.
NESJ Div. 3 Men Top 10
1. Tufts
2. Brandeis
3. Amherst
4. Babson
5. Wheaton
6. Trinity
7. Middlebury
8. Fitchburg State
9. Williams
10. UMass-Boston
Portions of Release Courtesy of Phil Shore – New England Soccer Journal