SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College men's soccer team enters the fall 2024 season with a new coaching staff and 13 new student-athletes. After a productive spring season that included a 3-0 win over SUNY Potsdam, the student-athletes entered the fall preseason with excellent energy and eagerness to continue improving as a group. Head Coach
Brad Campion and assistant coach
Ethan Gunty, have been at work implementing their new system and style of play, while quickly incorporating the newcomers into the program's culture and habits.
"We had a very productive preseason, and I am happy with our initial growth as a group, both on and off the field. The preseason matches against Western New England and Oneonta provided us with good opportunities to challenge ourselves against top DIII programs with two different styles of play," said Coach Campion.
THE SCHEDULE AHEAD
The Thoroughbreds begin their season under the lights at Utica on August 30 at 6 p.m. to then return to Saratoga for their home openers against SUNY Geneseo and WPI, the 2023 NEWMAC champions, on September 7 and 8. In mid-September, the men's soccer team takes on Springfield away (9/14), Ramapo at home (9/18), and SUNY Oswego away (9/21) to finish out their out of conference games.
The Thoroughbreds begin Liberty League conference play on September 28 at Hobart College. On October 2 Skidmore will travel midweek to Clarkson to then return home on October 5 against Vassar. Coach
Brad Campion will be welcoming all men's soccer alumni back to campus for the Vassar game and invites alums to participate in the
Thoroughbred Cup on October 4 as well.
In mid-October, Skidmore will take on RPI on Friday night in Troy, NY (10/11), RIT away (10/18). and Ithaca away (10/19). Finishing out the regular season, the Thoroughbreds will have three home games against St. Lawrence (10/26 - Breast Cancer Awareness Game), Union (10/30 - Stable Game), and Bard (11/2- Senior Day).
From Coach Campion:
"We will be returning roughly 80 percent of our starters from the fall 2023 season. We will rely heavily on their experience, especially those student-athletes that played in the Liberty League championship match in 2022. At the same time, our incoming first-years and transfers have introduced great competition in each position this preseason, which has raised the level of the group and given us a lot to think about as a staff."
KEY RETURNERS (with comments from the Skidmore men's soccer coaching staff on each one)
Will Devall, Junior, Goalkeeper - Will has grown as a leader and trusted goalkeeper in the program over the past two years. Will's height, athleticism, and sound judgment will make him a top goalkeeper in the conference this season.
Max Heberlein, Senior, Centerback - Max is the starting center back, captain, and dual-sport athlete (lacrosse) at Skidmore. Max is very strong his 1v1 defending, tackling, and aerial challenges. On the ball, he is composed and makes intelligent passing decisions.
Colin Goodhines, Sophomore, Midfielder - Colin is coming off a summer in which he played at a high-level and will be in top form entering the fall 2024 season. Colin is quick, dynamic, and can score in a variety of ways.
Cole Rogan, Junior, Midfielder - Cole is a box-to-box midfielder who has excellent vision and passing abilities. When Cole is at his best, he can dictate the tempo of games.
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM COACH CAMPION:
"I am incredibly privileged to be leading our student-athletes and coaching staff. We will strive to play an exciting style of soccer this season built around defensive work rate, technical skill and flair, and preparing extensively for each match. As a group, we are determined to progress each day, while making our Skidmore Soccer alums, families, and friends proud."
