Devils look to bounce back in '09
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Men's soccer
FREDONIA, N.Y. -- In 2008, the Fredonia State Blue Devils finished 9-9 to end a string of 14 straight winning seasons. They also missed the post-season for the first time since 2002.
Heading into last year and coming off a SUNYAC championship, the team had graduated four all conference players and had to rely on a new and less-experienced roster that included 17 freshmen.
Contrast that with this year, as the Devils return three All SUNYAC selections and last year’s young group that has matured with experience. The core of the team is now made up of juniors and has the Devils poised to regain the SUNYAC title they last won in 2007.
The season opens tonight at Medaille.
“We are a year older and hope that we have learned lessons,” head coach P.J. Gondek said. “The juniors are the core of this team, and we could have six in the starting lineup.”
That experience will be the key to success.
Balance should also be a key component. The Devil offense returns players that accounted for 36 of its 39 goals scored a season ago. The team leadership, however, will come from the a traditionally stingy defense, where captains Stephen Ahern (Nottingham, U.K/Billborough), a junior, and senior goalkeeper Thom Cavanaugh (Slingerlands/Voorheesville) will call the shots.
The offense will be led by two-time all-conference selections junior Peter Dagel (Rochester/Gates Chili) and senior Ryan O’Donnell (Orchard Park). Both accounted for a team-best 26 points last year. Dagel led the Devils with 11 goals and added four assists, while O’Donnell had 10 goals and six assists.
Junior midfielder Eli Lubberts (Ontario/Wayne) was the third Devil to make the all-conference team. He had a pair of goals and three assists.
According to Gondek, a pair of sophomores, forward Matt Grabowski (Victor) and midfielder Cory Paine (Ontario/Wayne), are other scoring options after getting a full year under their belts. In 2008, Grabowski was third on the team with five goals and 12 points. Paine saw action in all 18, making five starts.
Other returnees expected to make a larger impact this season are a pair of juniors -- forward John Grabowski (Middleport/Royalton-Hartland) and midfielder Brett Wysocki (Gansevoort/Columbia) -- and a pair of sophomore defenders -- Rejean Archambeault (Horseheads) and David Thoin (Buffalo/St. Joe's).
Defense is the main area the Blue Devils look to improve. “We need to get better in the back four," Gondek said, "and need better goalkeeping. Our defense will determine if we will be a great team just an average team.”
The Devils have a pair of experienced goaltenders. Cavanaugh started 12 games last season and has the edge going into this season. He will be pushed by sophomore Bobby McGinnis (Elmira/Elmira Free Academy). Gondek is comfortable with the veteran Cavanaugh in goal, but feels McGinnis is ready to play at the college level entering his second season. “Bobby is just about ready and they will push each other throughout the season," Gondek said.
Six freshmen dot the this year's roster. Midfielders Matt Schroen (Clarence) and Gabe Esposito (Fabius/Fabius-Pompey) will push for starting roles, while midfielders Brian Courtney (Buffalo/Kenmore West) and Ryan Smith (Fairport) have looked impressive in the pre-season.
As far as his outlook on the season, Gondek says expectations remain unchanged year to year. “We try to get the best spot in the SUNYAC Tournament and win it," Gondek said. "Expectations don’t change. Some of these guys have played in the NCAA Tournament, and that is where we want to get back to.”
The Devils traditionally play a very strong schedule. This season is no different. They will face six 2008 NCAA participants, including the defending national champion Messiah Falcons. Tonight's foe, Medaille, is the team Messiah defeated 2-1 in overtime in the first round of the 2008 national tournament.
The Devils open up at home when they play host to the Clarion Hotel Classic at University Stadium on Sept. 11-12.
"Just because we had a down year," Gondek said, "doesn't mean we will lighten up the schedule in any way. The SUNYAC schedule is always tough and so will be the non-conference portion, but that's how we have always wanted it."