By Tyler Byrum, Contributor

To say that last season was bad for the Men’s Soccer team would be an understatement. With a 2-12-2, the program endured their worst season in nearly forty years. Easily it was the worst under the tenure of head coach Greg Andrulis, but the team is primed for a comeback this year.

This off-season the team graduated the last remaining class that was a part of the 2013 Atlantic 10 Championship team. Goalkeeper Steffan Kruas, along with forwards Zach Herstek and Daniel Hoffman were some of the key players to say farewell to the squad. Overall there are six starters that will be missing as the season just kicked off this past weekend.

Do not let that fool you though, this season the men’s soccer program has a good dose of experience and youthful talent that can make some noise in a loaded Atlantic 10.

Senior Henning Dirks will look to lead the offense after scoring 12 goals and 12 assists in three seasons. On his two sides with be budding sophomores Tunde Akintosotu, a member of the 2016 A10 All-Rookie team, and Tolu Ibikunle.

While in between the posts the Patriots will be looking for a new starter, their back-line is fully stocked. Three of last year’s defensive starters are back with Gilian Buijk on track to see more time, instead of coming off of the bench.

Their track will not be easy, nor is the team on track for a banner year, but it will not be a repeat of last season.

The team started their season off with a defining 2-1 victory over nationally ranked Coastal Carolina this past Friday night. Goals were scored by both Akintosotu and Dirks. They have come a long way from last year, but still have a ways to go.

Note: The Men’s Soccer team’s match against American was not final as a publish time. All statistics, notes, and records reference just prior to the start of the game.