NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s soccer team breaks into the 2007 campaign coming off a 6-11-1 record, including four consecutive wins to end the 2006 season. Head Coach Eric Watson embarks on his 1st season at the helm for the Hawks, with a goal to move up in the conference standings and make the tournament.
Junior Robert Mendes (Mineola/Brentwood), who scored one goal, three assists in 2006 and sophomore Sean Reminick (East Meadow) will key the midfield. Junior Chris Hotzak (Saint James/Smithtown), and first year Jason Fancie (Ossining) will see playing time, patrolling the outside midfield. Sophomore Harry Fournaris (Manorville/Eastport-South Manor) and first year Frank Tloczkowski (New Hyde Park/New Hyde Park Memorial) will push the starters for playing time.
Junior transfers Allan Bronstein (Newburgh) and Ryan Lundgren (Montogmery/Valley Central) along with sophomore Anton Shipman (Howard Beach/Molloy) will occupy the back positions. Sophomore Jeff Fonda (Summit/Cobleskill-Richmondville) will provide additional defensive stability.
The lone senior, Justin Thomson (Babylon), who had three goals last season, will lead the attack. First years Joseph Gentsch (Staten Island) and Joe Rose (Seaford) will play along side Thomson and provide energy to the striker position. Sophomores Harper Jaroff (Old Westbury/Westbury), Ian Mayer (Fort Montgomery/James I. O’Neill) and freshman Lucus Natel (Mineola) and Nick Lamon (Hewlett) will provide additional depth to the line.
The goalkeeper position is up for grabs. Juniors Patrick Carlucci (Goshen) and Mike Judge (Massapequa Park/Massapequa) have collegiate game experience. Carlucci played in 10 games in 2005 and posted a .635 save percentage, while Judge was a member of the 2004 team. Uncontested first year Peter Carmel (Lake Ronkonkoma/Stony Brook) has proven he can handle the position and will battle for the starting role.
The Hawks open their season against Drew on Saturday, September 1, with the home opener coming on Tuesday, September 11 versus Skidmore at 4 p.m.
