MCLA Men eager to begin 2010 season, face Western Connecticut Saturday
The MCLA Men's soccer program has seen steady progression under 4th year coach Adam Hildabrand. The Trailblazers will look to continue that trend in 2010. MCLA opens play on Saturday when they travel to Western Connecticut State University
North Adams, MA- MCLA Men's Soccer coach Adam Hildabrand is approaching the 2010 season with optimism following their 8-6-2 campaign in 2009. The Trailblazers have shown steady improvement in each of his first three seasons, improving their overall win total each year. Hildabrand is hopeful that trend will continue as MCLA readies for the 2010 season.
MCLA will open on the road as they travel to Little East foe Western Connecticut State this Saturday. The Trailblazers will then play a midweek game against SUNY-Cobleskill before hosting the 2010 CIAO Classic. MCLA is the defending champion of the four team tournament. The Trailblazers open conference play on September 18th when they travel to Worcester State.
Hildabrand has a solid mix of returnees, many of whom saw significant action as freshmen and sophomores. Coupling the veterans with a talented incoming class, Hildabrand believes his program is ready to take the next step forward. "We were a young class last year, but with so much experienced gained, we are looking for certain players to step up and assume greater roles, which in turn will help us attain our goals."
Leading the way for MCLA up front this season should be sophomore forward Jake McCall (Lincoln, RI). In his inaugural campaign, McCall tied for the team lead in scoring, tallying six goals and fifteen points. Joining McCall up front will be sophomore George Sullivan (Milton, MA). Sullivan saw significant game action during his freshmen year and should see more minutes and opportunities this fall. Also returning in 2010 from a significant shoulder injury is junior Luke Davis (Bedford, MA). Davis accounted for six goals in his first two seasons with the Trailblazers.
MCLA will count on senior captain Israel Diaz (Yonkers, NY) to control the midfield. Diaz will also provide veteran leadership following three solid years in a Trailblazers uniform.
On the defensive front, the Trailblazers return junior Charles Donovan-Martin (Vestal, NY), who anchored the back line last season. Donovan-Martin, the team MVP in 2009, will provide leadership and stability to a back line returning only a pair of starters. The other returning starter on the defense is junior Rick Massey (Cheshire, MA).
In goal, MCLA will turn the reigns over to senior captain Adam Tarsa (Adams, MA). Tarsa saw action in eight games last season. In his only start, he turned in a shutout performance at Southern Vermont.
While optimistic about his programs chances, Hildabrand knows the road ahead will be a difficult one. "The non conference schedule is very demanding which in turn will help us to better prepare for conference play. Beginning with a solid club from the Little East (Western Ct.) and then the always challenging CIAO Classic, we should gain the necessary game experience to help us later in the season."