Men's Soccer
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Continually being considered "the team to beat"can be a lot of pressure
for some programs. For Coach Jerry Sheska and his Warriors, pressure is just
another word.
"It's difficult to be 'the team' every year. We have a lot of pressure
placed on us to win," said Sheska. "Almost every team on our schedule
we are expected to beat."
Last season, the Warriors thrived on the pressure. With post-season play on
the line, the team came back from a slow start to earn five wins and a tie in
their last six games and went on to win their fifth straight conference title
and earn an NCAA bid.
Again, making an NCAA playoff appearance will be on the minds of the players
and coaches.
"We stress winning during preseason, and obviously getting to the NCAA
playoffs again is our goal," added Sheska. "However, we emphasize
to the players to focus and play game by game."
This season, a little more pressure than usual has been placed on the Warriors.
Having lost six key starters, the team will look to the returners as well as
the incoming players for support.
"We have high expectations placed on our returning players, and the new
players will be expected to pick up the slack of those we lost," commented
Sheska. "The success of this combination will be crucial in winning."
Leading the way for the Warriors will be four returning All-PSAC cluding first
team selections Sean Stewart, Tom Mustac, and Mike Lotocki, along with second
team selection Kamar Samuels.
Stewart, an All-America back, will be counted on for his experience and talent
as a four-year starter.
"Sean is a very skillful and smart player. He has experience in the position
and provides us with options on free kicks," said Sheska, who has coached
nine All-Americas in his 20 years as head coach. "We expect this to be
his best season yet."
Both Stewart and junior back Kamar Samuels will combine to serve as the backbone
of the Warrior defense. Samuels booted in four goals and five assists last year
for the Warriors, and will again be counted on to add offensive support to the
team.
"Kamar is a very consistent player. With some refining in his attacking,
he has the potential to be one of the best players to ever come through the
program," stated Sheska.
The return of Jorge Chapoy, a red-shirt from last season, will be a key for
the Warrior offense this year.
"Jorge is a very intelligent player. The most important factor for him
this season will be whether he is up to par from his injury," said Sheska.
Chapoy was the team's leading scorer two years ago with 20 goals and eight assists,
receiving first team All-PSAC and All-Northeast Region honors. He missed last
season due a broken leg, and his ability to rebound from the injury will be
very important.
Senior Tom Mustac will be another key player in the forward position. was this
year's leading scorer with 14 goals and eight assists. He receieved first team
All-Northeast Region honors, as well as being named the team's most outstanding
player. Both him and Chapoy will be counted on to combine in putting the ball
into the back of the net.
Junior letter-winner Jason Cropper will also add support to the forward line.
Cropper booted in eight goals last season, including a 'hat trick' against St.Thomas
Aquinas for the second year in a row. He is coming in off a strong spring season,
and is expected to carry it through to the regular season.
Returning starters Joey Piscopo and Mike Lotocki will provide for a solid Warrior
midfield. Together, the two combined for 12 goals and 11 assists last season.
Piscopo had a great 2001 season, and he is expected to have an even better one
this year.
Lotocki posted the team's second most points last season with eight goals and
six assists and was named the John Eiler Outstanding Offensive Player in the
15th annual ESU-Kiwanis Classic.
Junior Dom Sciurba's flexibility will be utilized either as a midfielder or
defender. He saw increased Mustac
Other midfielder reserves include Damian Thompson and John King. Thompson scored
two goals last season and King, a versatile player, posted an assist with both
expected to see a lot of action in 2002.
Adding to the list of returners is a new incoming class. The newcomers are highlighted
by Wesley Gayle, Roberto Bosmediano, Joe Alcaro, Charlie Brostowski and Bill
Sterner.
"This year's recruiting class is better than usual. There has been a greater
interest and the ability levels of the newcomers are really solid," said
Sheska.