The Penn State Behrend men's soccer program is energized entering the 2008 season and looking to defend its AMCC championship. Last year, the squad posted a record of 14-5-3 and tied the school record for wins. Now in his sixteenth year, Coach Dan Perritano looks for this season to be a positive one. "Our team has excellent depth and flexibility with many of our players able to play numerous positions," said Perritano. The incoming and veteran player's versatility will allow the blue and white to compete for the AMCC championship.
The senior class has quality players and three will be returning in 2008 for one final season. Forward Ahmad Salim (Cranberry/Seneca Valley), midfielder Mike Seth (Pittsburgh/Baldwin), and defender Marcus Taylor (Landisville/Hempfield), bring big game experience and will provide the leadership to make another run at the AMCC championship.
The junior class is led by first team All-AMCC goalkeeper Dustin Walker (Apollo/Kiski Area). Walker had an impressive 0.45 goals against average and six shutouts a season ago. Along with Walker, are returning defenders Bryan Margaria (Avella/Trinity) and Brian Silfee (McMurray/Peters Township). Both add veteran attitudes and skills to the table. Coming off an injury that prevented him from playing his junior year, Keith DeNinno (Allison Park/Hampton) will look to make his return and be an important part of the defensive core. DeNinno was a starter in every game as a sophomore. "We feel good about our mix of veteran experience and youthful enthusiasm with this team," Perritano said.
Second year players have a ton of talent and look to be an asset for the blue and white. Forward Ryan Banks (Allison Park/Hampton) will come in to help out the offensive efforts. Banks scored four goals his freshman season. While Brian Bodnar (Murrysville/Franklin Regional), Kenneth Gorman (Cranberry/Seneca Valley), Nick Spring (Erie/Harborcreek), Lance Sabol (North Huntingdon/Norwin), and Joshua Teti (Mckeesport/Elizabeth Forward) will push for midfield positions. Defenders Zach Herd (Stow, OH/Stow-Munroe Falls) and Jordan Hoffay (McKees Rocks/Montour) will help secure the Behrend defense. Defender/Midfielder Zach Ohl (Cochranton/Cochranton) will bring experience to the blue and white. Ohl has previously played one year with Thiel College. According to Perritano, "the sophomore class has shown great improvement and will help elevate our play."
The blue and white brought in a skillful group of freshmen. Thirteen incoming freshmen will battle for minutes and strive to make an impact immediately for the blue and white. "Our young talent mixed with the veterans will allow the Behrend Lions to compete at a high level in the AMCC this fall," said Perritano. Fowards Phillip Broadus (Pittsburgh/Allderdice), Corey Burick (Erie/Iroquois), Mike Fiscus (Russell/Eisenhower), RJ Lewis (Washington/Bishop Canevin), and Jared Potts (Conway/Freedom) will be good additions to the front line of the Behrend Lions. Controlling the midfield are Ryan Armahizer (Butler/Butler), Aaron Meehl (North East/North East), Cory Neiderer (State College/Penns Valley), and Brad Nowosielski (Pittsburgh/Hampton). The future of the back line for the blue and white starts with defender Kyle McKinney (Chesterland/West Geauga) and Dave Revtai (Mckees Rocks/Montour). Two goalkeepers, Sean Neely (Pittsburgh/North Hills) and Mike Stevens (Pittsburgh/Seneca Valley), add depth to the position.
The blue and white will open the season with two early season tournaments. The annual Herb Lauffer Memorial Tournament is set for August 30 and 31, where they will be facing Utica College and then either a tough Baldwin-Wallace team or a skilled Geneseo club. The following weekend they will travel to Fredonia State to play in a top-notch Division III kick-off tournament. Behrend will take on Wisconsin-Lutheran on Friday, September 5 at 3:00 p.m. and Fredonia State the next day at 5:00 p.m. Conference play will begin on September 27 for the blue and white, facing off against Mt. Aloysius. With the league having such a competitive balance Coach Perritano believes that the key will be finding the right system and style while getting the young players involved immediately is key to being competitive this year. Behrend closes out the league slate with three late October home games before preparing for the league playoffs on November 1. The AMCC Finals are scheduled for November 8.
"We have players who love to compete and are showing a willingness to improve and enjoy playing the game," said Perritano. "We are all very excited to get started with conference play." In 2008, the AMCC will be very balanced. The Behrend Lions have made eight finals appearance, winning four titles in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2007. After finishing with the school record for wins with 14 a year ago, the blue and white are focused on raising the bar again in 2008.
