FREDONIA, N.Y. -- An influx of a dozen newcomers is reason for optimism as the Fredonia State men's soccer team heads into the 2024 season.
"We have the talent," Head Coach P.J. Gondek said, "to be successful in the SUNYAC, especially with the arrival of 10 talented freshmen and two key transfers. Like many seasons, our hope of (making) playoffs relies on a handful of key conference matchups."
Getting off on the right foot – beginning Friday afternoon vs. Mount Aloysius at Buffalo State– is another key to a successful season. It is the first of five non-conference games over nine days, a stretch Gondek has called "a challenging start."
The quintet of games includes three at home: next Tuesday vs. Chatham, Sept. 6 vs. Bryant & Stratton, and Sept. 7 vs. Alfred University. The latter two games are part of the two-day Blue Devil Classic.
Here is a position-by-position breakdown heading into the season:
Goalkeeper – Thomas McDonald, a junior, appeared in five games in 2023. He and junior college transfer Jack Phelan will vie for minutes between the pipes.
Defense – Two starters return with significant experience in senior Liam Walsh and junior Huddy Kwiatkowski. They will be joined by junior Kye Castelluccio, who shared time at centerback last season. A key addition and projected starter is Ryan Ameis, a 6-foot, 5-inch freshman. Ameis's credentials include Erie County Division 2 Player of the Year and All Western New York at Clarence (N.Y.) High School. Others expected to contribute are senior Juan Matias, junior Brendan Adams, and freshmen Harrison McAneny and Max Meagher.
Midfield – Last year's leading scorer, senior Brian Taylor (7 goals, 5 assists, 19 points), and junior Freddie Butler (13 starts in 2023) will look to join the attack. A more defensive role is expected from sophomore Lee Hartke while an influx of additional scoring could come from freshman Sam Evans, a high school all-state honoree and member of state champion East Aurora (N.Y.) H.S. The position is rounded out by senior Jake Niccola, sophomore Zach Luce, and a freshman five consisting of Dylan McAfee, Liam Booth, Kyto Magee, Thomas Polek, and Oliver Spinola.
Forward – Two experienced juniors return in Chance LaCroix and Liam Winters. They combined for six goals and seven assists in 2023. Also back is senior Jake Murray. New to the roster are sophomore Vinnie Dibello and freshman Carson Teijeira. The 2022 Player of the Year in Western New York, Dibello transfers in from NCAA Division II St. Michaels. Teijeira is a legacy player. His dad played at Fredonia State for former head coach Mike Middleton.
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The men's and women's and men's soccer teams will sponsor a Chiavetta's chicken barbeque during the Blue Devil Classic. Dinners will be served at University Stadium on Fri., Sept. 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available from players on both teams or by emailing either or Coach Gondek (gondek@fredonia.edu) or Women's Head Coach Chris Case (case@fredonia.edu) . Tickets will also be sold the day of the event at the University Stadium ticket booth, located on Ring Road. The cost of each dinner is $15.
