Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill men's soccer team is set to kick off the 2025 campaign after being ranked seventh in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league's coaches. The Fighting Tigers are coming off a 2024 season in which they went 5-11-3 overall, including a 2-2-2 mark in conference play, advancing all the way to the NAC West Division Championship game.

Head Coach Joseph Machado, entering his 11th season at the helm, has been encouraged by what he's seen so far. With a veteran core returning, Machado believes his squad has the pieces to build on last year's momentum that landed them in the divisional championship game.

"The team has put in a lot of work this preseason and is quickly building chemistry," said Machado. "Our depth of experience is a real strength - many of our returners have logged significant minutes over their careers, and that should pay off early in the season."

Cobleskill returns 17 players from last year's roster, including all six All-Conference selections - four of whom earned First-Team honors, a program record. Leading the attack will be senior Spencer Reisman (Youngstown, NY/Lewiston Porter) and junior forward Connor Fancher (Worcester, NY), who combined for 18 of the team's 29 goals last season. Fancher led the Tigers with 11 goals, the second-highest single-season mark in program history, finishing fourth in the NAC in goals and fifth in total points (23). Reisman paced the team in assists, tying the single-season program record with eight while also adding a goal.

On the defensive side, First-Team All-NAC goalkeeper Adam Champlin (South Kortright, NY) returns after ranking second in the conference in saves and saves per game, and third in save percentage. He'll be backed by a veteran backline anchored by junior captains Rob Staubitz (East Rockaway, NY), Garrett Aikins (Morris, NY), and Samuel Spraker (Broadalbin-Perth, NY). Sophomore defender Joshua Sanchez (Bronx, NY) is also expected to take another step forward after contributing on both ends as a freshman, tallying two goals and two assists.

"Spencer and Connor give us a proven scoring punch, while Adam provides stability in goal," Machado noted. "Defensively, the leadership of Rob, Garrett, and Sam is crucial, and we're excited to see Josh continue his growth."

The Tigers will also welcome a group of newcomers ready to make their mark. First-years Gavin McEnroe (Burlington Flats, NY/Edmeston) and Béla Krenner (Berkshire, NY/Newark Valley) are expected to step in and contribute immediately.

"Newcomers Gavin and Béla have already shown great promise in preseason," said Machado. "Gavin brings physicality and versatility, while Béla adds composure and control in the midfield. They'll both be important pieces for us moving forward."

Cobleskill will open its season at home with back-to-back matches this weekend, beginning Friday, August 29, at 4:00 p.m. against Pratt Institute, followed by a Sunday, August 31, non-conference contest with Westfield State at 2:00 p.m. Both games will be played at the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.

 
NAC Men's Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll

1. Thomas College – 98 (8)
2. Husson University – 85 (2)
3. Maine Maritime Academy – 77
4. SUNY Delhi – 72
5. UMaine-Farmington – 64
6. Lesley University – 46
7. SUNY Cobleskill – 41
8. UMaine-Presque Isle – 27
9. VTSU Johnson – 26
10. VTSU Lyndon 14