Men's Soccer excited to get underway in 2014
The MCLA Men's Soccer program has plenty to smile about heading into their 2014 season opener on Friday. The Trailblazers return a host of key players, including Tyler Vona, for eighth year head coach Adam Hildabrand
North Adams, MA- Last season the MCLA Men's Soccer program welcomed a strong core of freshmen as they looked to make a mark in the MASCAC. However anytime a program is asking newcomers to carry the load, the results may not always be immediate. The Trailblazers finished 2013 with an overall mark of 5-9-1, including just a 1-5-1 record in league play. While the record speaks for itself, the valuable lessons learned one year ago will bode well as MCLA lifts the curtain on another season this Friday at the Norwich Cadet Classic.
Led by eighth year head coach Adam Hildabrand, the Trailblazers return a host of letter winners looking to improve upon last season's mark. Leading the way in 2014 is the reigning MASCAC rookie of the year Dylan Pereira. He burst onto the scene a year ago collecting a team best 11 goals and 23 points. The goals scored were the most by a Trailblazer in over a decade. Needless to say, Hildabrand is excited to see the growth of his squad this season.
"The key for us this year is to build upon the talent we have at our disposal and to become more mentally resilient. Our expectations are to be competing at a high level and potentially hosting a MASCAC playoff game," Hildabrand stated.
View Head Coach Adam Hildabrand discuss the upcoming 2014 Men's Soccer Season
Pereira wasn't the only freshmen to make an impact last season as Edward Boateng collected first team All MASCAC honors in the midfield. Boateng continually created opportunities for MCLA as Pereira was often the beneficiary of his strong play. The talented duo will be asked to lead the MCLA scoring punch this season.
A newcomer, transfer Anthony Bastile, will also provide a threat for the Trailblazers. His size and leadership will make him tough to deal with for opposing defenses. Other players of note on the offensive side include Romeo Grey, Mitchell Candelet, Lucas Prickett, Tyler Vona, and Edgar Asamoah. All of the aforementioned Trailblazers earned quality minutes last season and can contribute in a variety of ways.
While MCLA appears on paper to have some offensive firepower, their defense also returns a host of key returners from a year ago. Starting goal keeper Matt Robinson returns to bolster the defense. The defense only allowed 22 goals a season ago. The Trailblazers will have to replace a pair of starters on the back line, but appear to have some depth to their roster.
The schedule sets up nicely for MCLA after a season opening trip to the Norwich Cadet Classic this weekend. The Trailblazers will open the slate with games Friday and Saturday against Green Mountain and Johnson State respectively. After a week off, they will then host the CIAO classic at Shewcraft Field. The classic will showcase MCLA along with Union (NY), Curry, and Castleton State.
The MASCAC schedule will open when the Trailblazers host defending champion Worcester State on Saturday, September 20. MCLA will then host senior day on October 25th as they host rival Bridgewater State.