FIGHTING TIGER SOCCER PREPARES FOR 2005 SEASON

On the eve of the 2005 season the SUNY Cobleskill men’s soccer program is confidently looking forward to improving on a 2004 season that saw the Fighting Tigers post a 4-10-1 overall mark with a 1-5-1 record in Mountain Valley Conference play. As he prepares for his third year at the helm of the Fighting Tigers Cobleskill Head Coach Rob Szmarz sees a bright future on his team’s horizon.

“For the first time during my time here with I program I’m happy with our overall depth,” said Szmarz. “Up top we have more size than in years past; our midfield is definitely much quicker and thus far during the preseason our defense has minimized the opposition’s quality chances. If we can keep the injury bug away this season I think this can be a very exciting season.”

An area of concern in past seasons; goalkeeping, should be one of the strongest areas for the Fighting Tigers this season. Senior Scott Bergen, Schenectady, NY, Mohonasen High School, returns to the Cobleskill net after a solid rookie season. Backing up Bergen in the goal will be freshman Joe Adamiak, White Plains, NY, White Plains High School, who could see spot start action during the year. 

Offensively senior forward Bill Edsell, Smithtown, NY, St. James High School, will return from a one-season hiatus hoping to regain the form that produced an 11 goal 2003 season. Joining Edsell on the forward line will be crafty senior Carlos Perez, Queens, NY, Robert F. Kennedy High School, and talented freshman Hugh Campbell, Bronx, NY, Evander Chiles High School. The Cobleskill midfield will be anchored by steady senior Devin Stickle, Downsville, NY, Downsville Central High School, and the freshmen tandem of Tom Wickham, Broadalbin NY, Broadalbin-Perth High School, and Gilbert Francillon, Brooklyn, NY, Midwood High School. Senior Travis White, Sidney, NY, Sidney High School, will also see time in the Fighting Tiger midfield as will freshman Don Harrison, Bronx, NY, Evander Chiles High School, and freshman Justin Hines, Philmont NY, Taconic Hills High School.

On defense senior back Kyle Johanssen, Mohawk, NY, Mohawk High School, will provide needed experience for freshman stopper Christian Velasquez, Woodside, NY, Francis Lewis High School, and freshman sweeper Matt Graham, Spring Valley, NY, Martin Luther King High School. Freshman Joshua Cookfair, Scotia, NY, Schalmont High School, will also see action on defense in a reserve role.

The Fighting Tigers will open the season on Thursday September 1st when they travel to Auburn, NY to meet the 2004 Region III Runner-up Spartans of Cayuga Community College beginning at 4:00 PM.