Aug. 30, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - There will be a distinctly different look to the Saint Joseph's men's soccer team in 2010 with a whole new coaching staff lead by head coach Don D'Ambra, a former KiXX player/coach and SJU alum. Joining D'Ambra are assistants Pat Morris, a current KiXX player, and Gianni Grimaldi, a highly decorated coach and recruiter. D'Ambra is confident that the new staff will give the Hawks a spark saying, "Our staff is going to bring a lot of enthusiasm to the program."

The coaching staff is not the only new look to the team as 52 players, 30 of which were newcomers, attended preseason camp. About half of the roster will be freshmen and D'Ambra is confident the excitement and enthusiasm the freshmen are bringing to camp will translate into a positive energy throughout the season.

D'Ambra is eager to start a new program at Saint Joseph's, "We're are going to make mistakes out there, but we will be able to instill a program where the players are going to come in and learn a new program right from the start, instead of adjusting to an old program, which should result in an easier transition."

After a tough season last year the Hawks are looking forward to a clean slate and they will have just that as true underdogs in the conference, as the majority of players and the coaches will have no expectations of opponents.

"Since our staff and most of our players are new we'll go into every match with a clean slate and enter every match with one thing in mind," D'Ambra said, " That is to focus on our own tactical game plan. We will study our opponents and prepare our players for the upcoming matches."

Veteran leadership is expected to come from tri-captains, senior forward Colin Baker and junior defenders Tom Smart and Greg Dusing.

The Hawks' biggest strength this season is their defense, with a group of experienced returners holding down the line including Smart and defensive anchors Dusing, junior Jake McPaul, and sophomore Timmy Brennan. Freshmen Matt Macey and Brian Reynolds will bring depth to the Hawks' defense.

Behind the defense in goal this season will be freshmen Michael Moulton and Yiannys Degermentzidis. The duo will split the time and vie for a starting position between the pipes.

On the offensive end leading scorer for the past three seasons, Baker, returns to the attack along with Giacomo DiLisi and freshman Ryan McFadden which will create a dangerous tandem up top.

Senior Rocco Pozzessere looks to bring leadership and experience to the midfield while the majority of the midfield will be made of newcomers. Freshman Patrick McGlynn is a hardworking skillful player joining the midfield while freshmen Colin Reilly, Brendan Reilly, and Brian Longo have been working hard in training sessions and are expected to see some time in the midfield.

"The foundation of this program is built on good veteran leadership surrounded by a wealth of youth," says D'Ambra who believes the upperclassmen will provide the rookies with the leadership they need to succeed as a team, "That is going to be the heart and soul of the team because a lot of them are athletic, they are playing with a lot of enthusiasm, and really trying to earn a spot on the starting roster."

The Hawks kick off the season with two home matches on Finnesey Field, hosting Penn (Sept. 9) and Towson (Sept. 5) before hitting the road for four games.

The squad will play in the Pittsburgh Nike Tournament where they face Duquesne (Sept. 10) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 12) and then go up against Cornell (Sept. 16) and Villanova (Sept. 22) before returning home to host Iona (Sept. 25) in their last non-conference game.

The Hawks tough Atlantic 10 slate begins with a home match against La Salle (Sept. 29) before SJU takes a little over a weeks rest. October brings a series of three conference road games against Temple (Oct. 9), Xavier (Oct. 15), and last years conference finalists Dayton (Oct. 17).

SJU then hosts 2009 semifinalists' Rhode Island (Oct. 22) and Massachusetts (Oct 24) before traveling to Charlotte (Oct. 29) and 2009 champions' St. Louis (Oct. 31).

Saint Joseph's men's soccer team closes out its season with two home games against Richmond (Nov. 5) and George Washington (Nov. 7).

"Our goal this season is to stay competitive and I think a 500 record is within reach and a worthy goal to achieve," says D'Ambra on the season.