To say things got off to a rocky start for the Lehman College men's soccer team in 2009, the program's first at the varsity level since the late '90s, would be an understatement.
Boasting an inexperienced freshman-laden team, the Lightning began the 2009 season 0-9. With the team all but licking its wounds, though, a funny thing happened. Coach Joe André's offensive and defensive formations began to take effect, the team gained experience and confidence, and an unplanned goalie change sparked the team to a 6-2 finish before its eventual loss in the CUNYAC Quarter-Finals to Medgar Evers.
That finish, which included a tough 3-2 loss to Baruch and wins over the '08 (Hunter) and '09 (York) CUNY champs, combined with André's first true recruiting class, has him supremely confident for 2010.
“Each year I'm looking to recruit four or five top line guys that I can fit in right away,” said André. “This year I had to stop counting at five or six. It was pretty fruitful.”
The main catalyst from that class should be Manhattan Community College transfer Assami Valian. Ironically, his recruitment was finalized despite Andrè never having seen him play. In fact, it was his goal scoring prowess while playing high school soccer in Manhattan's PSAL A division, the same division as multiple time PSAL champion Martin Luther King, Jr. H.S., that caught Coach André's eye.
“I looked at the amount of goals that he scored in that division against top notch talent and said, 'Something's happening here,'” remarked André. “He should be a goal scorer extraordinaire for us. His shot is a pro shot.”
True freshman Essenam Agouze will be another impact newcomer – “an absolute player,” in the words of André, “who looks like the type that can control the midfield.”
Also expected to contribute right away will be fellow freshmen Gilherme Silva and Leonardo de Oliveira.
Not to be forgotten amidst the excitement of the fresh faces are returnees Geovanny Arredonde, the team's Rookie of the Year last year; Rafael Abbondanza, a likely team captain for his toughness and commitment; and Edward Appah, a solid right back on defense.
“I have a lot of weapons up front and in midfield,” said André. “We'll probably have more shots on goal this year and we'll possess the ball a lot better because the skill set is a lot better.”
Increased goal scoring may have to be the key for Lehman as the goalkeeper position stands as the team's biggest concern heading into the season. Although first-line keeper Marcos Coto-Batres returns, last year's late season replacement Michael Hintze, who put together a shutout streak of over 200 minutes, is no longer with the team after choosing to pursue a rigorous academic course load this semester.
“I think we're looking good,” said André. “We just have to work with the keepers, get them going in terms of the drills, the catches, the dives, whatever.”
Regardless, last year's rocky start is a distant memory and hope certainly springs eternal on the Lehman College campus.
“We're ready to go,” an excited André exclaimed. “We'll put in the work and barring any unexpected injuries, we're looking to do big things.”
