Cobleskill, NY:  The SUNY Cobleskill men's soccer team enter the 2024 campaign ranked second in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Western Division Pre-Season Poll which is voted on by the coaches. The Fighting Tigers are coming off a 2023 season that featured a 4-10-2 overall record, including a 2-6 mark in NAC play. The preseason ranking reflects a promising outlook for the Fighting Tigers, who are eager to build on last year's progress.

Head Coach Joe Machado, entering his tenth year with the program, has been encouraged by the team's performance since the start of preseason. Machado's leadership has been instrumental in guiding the team forward, and his optimism is evident as he prepares for another season at the helm.

"The 2024 season should be one of improvement for our team. Our group is ready to make a jump forward this season, adding 8 new freshman and transfers to a young core of players who gained a lot of experience last season. The group has grown together over the preseason period and shown moments of good things to come. Our group should be more comfortable in front of the goal this season, making a difference in the 12 one goal games we have had the last two seasons. We have had solid performances in preseason from a couple of key returning players who missed all of last year as well as some of the new faces."

With a blend of returning talent and new additions, the Fighting Tigers are well-positioned to make an impact in the NAC Western Division. Cobleskill returns 15 players from their roster last season as well as the return of upperclassmen Charles Agle (Eden, NY/Eden) and Spencer Reisman (Youngstown, NY/Lewiston Porter) who sat out last season due to injuries and will make an immediate impact for the Tigers on the field.

Among those returners is senior forward Conor Flanigan (Troy, NY/Troy) who finished last season with one goal and one assist in 15 starts.  Additionally, sophomore forward Connor Fancher (Worcester, NY/Worcester) and junior midfielder Spencer Reisman are expected to play pivotal roles in bolstering the Fighting Tigers' attack.

Second year defenders Rob Staubitz (East Rockaway, NY/East Rockaway) and Ray Hofer III (Esopus, NY/Mount Academy) will add experience to the Cobleskill backline alongside senior captain Charles Agle. While second year goalie Adam Champlin (South Kortright, NY/South Kortright) returns for the Fighting Tigers after a strong first year where he started 13 games and finished with a 2.68 goals against average including 80 saves and two shutouts.

Among the newcomers, first years Andrew Rimes (Walden, N.Y./Mount Academy) and Joshua Sanchez (Bronx, N.Y./New Visions) will add extra firepower to the Fighting Tigers offense.

Cobleskill will open the season on Friday, August 30^th when they travel to Westfield State for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff under the lights before returning home to face off against Pratt Institute for their home opener on Sunday, September 1^st at 12:00 p.m.