After posting a 7-1 conference record, winning the CSAC title and reaching the NCAA tournament, it comes as no surprise that the men’s soccer team was recently ranked No. 1 in the CSAC preseason coaches’ poll.
“We definitely have a bulls-eye on our back after winning the CSAC title these past two years,” Mike Viscarello, senior information specialist major, said.
Cabrini is seen throughout the league as the team to beat and they are not showing signs of letting this affect how they play or train.
After losing a large senior class this past year many might think that it is time for a fresh start. But with the caliber of talent that is returning and the large recruiting class that is the last thing on their mind.
“It is definitely not a rebuilding year. They still have a lot of talent coming back,” Brian Beacham, sports information director, said.
The returning group of upperclassmen includes skilled players on both ends of the field.
“Returning this year is Eric Collins and King Saah on the offense and Troy Allen, who with Eric received a first-team all-conference selection last year. Kyle Johnson, in his second season with the team, will also be back there on defense,” Beacham said.
The team has suffered injuries and losses in the offseason. A few players graduated, such as midfielder Brian Raffle and forward Justin McCall. There have also been a few injuries that could plague the team this year.
“We all need to stay healthy, especially going into the season. But with people hurt that just means other people need to step up to the table,” Viscarello said.
“There’s a lot of really capable freshmen this year. It’s fun to see all the new faces out there but we all just need more experience with each other,” Viscarello said.
When ever a new teammate comes on board you always have to adjust and learn how they play within the team.
“The team will learn to mesh in the younger talent with the team that’s coming back,” Beacham said.
These new players will find that they are a part of a very accomplished team and will be playing with CSAC champions.
“We don’t look too far ahead; we like to just take one game at a time. Right now we’re not looking at the tournament. We are focused on DeSales, that’s it,” Viscarello said.
Cabrini soccer will start off their season on Sept. 1 when they face off against DeSales University on the road.
The men’s team faced off against DeSales in the season opener last year and was handed a 1-0 loss.
An early goal by DeSales put them up on the scoreboard that would eventually be the deciding goal. Cabrini then was relentless with their efforts of offense by putting up 28 shots.
Their rematch will be a great opportunity to show off its new faces and hopefully get an act of redemption in the process.
With returning seniors already winning the conference and reaching the NCAA tournament it is a definite goal that as a team they will be in search of.
“The group of upperclassman and seniors on the team has been there before and are hungry to get back on top,” Viscarello said.
