Challenges facing young Hofstra Pride

Posted

Youth and depth will be the theme for Hofstra men’s soccer in 2010 as the Pride graduated five starters, including three All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) performers, from last year’s 8-7-2 team.

“We lost some quality players but we’re getting great leadership from the veterans, and our recruits are doing well,” coach Richard Nuttall said. “It’s a pretty big youth movement, but I don’t feel we’re in a bad position. We’re still going to compete.”

Despite the revamped roster, Nuttall said he’s optimistic about the Pride picking up where it left off last season when it dropped just two of its last eight, going 4-2-2 over the second half of the year.

A restructured defense could hold the biggest key to success. Defensive Player of the Year Richard Martinez and All-CAA performer Jamal Neptune are gone, and Nuttall is counting on senior Erik Rengifo to lead the group in front of junior goalkeeper Greg Cumpstone, a three-year starter with 11 career shutouts.

Sophomore Thomas Bekas enjoyed a strong camp and could start with Rengifo at outside back, and freshmen Shaun Foster and Tyler Botte are making a push for the starting lineup as well. Seniors Joseph Amendolare and Kevin Mira add depth to the back row and could also see time at midfield.

Senior Steven Ehrichs, Hofstra’s most experienced midfielder, is a strong defender who could play more of an attacking role this fall. Sophomores Stephan Barea (six goals) and Mike Annarumma also return.

At forward, senior Johannes Grahn (six goals) and  junior Brett Carrington have the potential to form one of the top scoring duos in the CAA after combining for 10 goals in 2009.

Nuttall said the Pride is capable of qualifying for the CAA Tournament, but the road will be difficult to navigate with the likes of UNC-Wilmington, Old Dominion and James Madison. “We have ability,” he said. “It’s just going to be a matter of experience.”

Page 1 / 2