Aug. 17, 2005
Stony Brook, N.Y. -
Expectations are running high for the 2005 edition of Stony Brook men's soccer. The Seawolves, who kicked off preseason practice on August 16, return seven starters and 16 letterwinners from a year ago when they finished as one of the most improved teams in the nation and qualified for the America East Tournament for the first time in program history.
"Preseason is going very well so far," said second year head coach Cesar Markovic. "We know we are an extremely different team than last year. With only a few new players, we don't have to worry as much about bringing the team together, so we can concentrate on achieving bigger things. This year it's more about us preparing than getting to know each other. We have definitely raised the bar, and preseason has proved that. We have several seniors who want nothing more than to leave Stony Brook with a championship. The players are hungry, and they hold themselves to very high standards."
Stony Brook looks to continue its climb to the top of America East in 2005 after finishing in a program-best tie for fourth place while qualifying for the team's first appearance in the AE Tournament a year ago. The Seawolves finished as one of the most improved teams in the nation in 2004, turning a 4-13-1 season in 2003 to an 11-6-3 record in 2004, tying them for the fourth-best improvement in NCAA Division I men's soccer.
Leading the returning players is an outstanding crop of seniors, including Rob Fucci and Mark Zajkowski on defense, John Moschella in goal and first team All-New York Region and America East All-Conference selection Chris Megaloudis at forward. The Seawolves will also welcome several newcomers to the mix, including former MAAC Offensive Player of the Year Douglas Narvaez, who transferred from St. Peter's College for his final season of play.
The Seawolves will open up preseason action when they travel to take on Fairleigh Dickinson on August 20, while hosting St. Francis College on August 27th in their final tune-up before opening the 2005 campaign on September 1 vs. Hofstra.
The Seawolves, who were ranked as high as fourth in the New York region a year ago, were picked to finish 4th in America East in 2005 after a vote of the league's head coaches. Defending conference champion Boston University was selected to repeat as the league champion.
2005 America East Men's Soccer
Preseason Poll
1. Boston U (8) 64
2. Binghamton (1) 54
3. UMBC 45
4. Stony Brook 43
5. Vermont 34
6. New Hampshire 25
7. Albany 22
Hartford 22
9. Maine 15
