Sports
High aspiration for men's soccer
By Robert Berk '20
September 1, 2016
Tags sports
The Hamilton College Men’s Soccer team begins the 2016 season, its 19th under head coach Perry Nizzi, looking to get back to NESCAC championship contention. Last year the Continentals won more games than they had in three years and are hoping to continue on an upward trajectory. While the season was very successful overall, the season opening, a double overtime loss was a tough pill to swallow at the season’s outset. Despite not enjoying the start they had hoped for, the Continentals wasted no time getting back to their winning ways, securing victories in three of their first five games. The Continentals beat Tufts, the 2014 national champions, in a thriller and ended the season on a great note by controlling the home turf and shutting out Colby.
While they are losing last year’s top points man, Erich Marcks ’17, the team is returning many key players and is excited for the new season. Strong leadership returns with midfielder Alec Talsania ’17 back as captain. There are many other returners with significant experience.
Five of the seven players that started more than 10 games last year are back with the team this year. Mid-fielder Talsania, back Spenser Heller ’17, and forward Jack Temko ’18 all tied for second in total points, with five, and are returning for the Continentals. Talsania, Heller and back Mike Lubelczyk ’17 all tied for the team lead with two goals and are back, as captains, looking for more. Talsania took the most shots on goal, followed by Temko, while Temko led the team in assists. The Continentals are returning two goalies who appear to be strong in net. Harris Pollack ’17 is looking to continue to be one of the best goalies in the NESCAC. Over the last two years he has 28 starts, eight shutouts, and a .757 save percentage.
Coach Nizzi also highlighted center back Eli Morris ’18 as another key contributor. Many young players are excited to be a part of the team as well. “I’m really excited to start the season. Everyone on the team has been incredibly helpful and has welcomed us [first-years] with open arms. My recruiting class is full of great guys and I can’t wait to spend the next four years with them on and off the field,” said forward Aidan Wood ’20. Goalie Brett Luing ’20 highlighted the incoming class’ work ethic, saying: “We’ve been working hard all summer long to make sure we are ready to contribute whenever we get an opportunity to help the team out.”
“Our expectations are to advance to the NESCAC playoffs and make a strong bid to continue on to the NCAA tournament,” says Coach Nizzi. While these expectations may seem lofty, the team has trained hard to put itself in the position to succeed. “The team has returned very fit and stronger thanks to their dedication in following the team training schedule and the outstanding contributions of our strength and conditioning coordinator Chris Van Alstyne,” notes Nizzi.
The season kicks off Sept. 6 when the Continentals travel to play Oswego. A key date to circle on the calendar is Saturday, Sept. 17, the home opener against conference rival Trinity which kicks off a crucial five-game home stand for the team. Senior day is Oct. 26 against SUNY Polytechnic. The Continentals have worked hard to ensure that each of these games are winnable and will continue to work hard in order to secure victories on each of those dates.