Men's Soccer 2019 Season Preview

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Mark Lugris rejoins the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's soccer program, this time as head coach after serving as an assistant to Alex Mendolia during the 2016 season. Lugris brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to a team that is now two years removed from a Skyline Conference Finals appearance.

The Golden Eagles struggled to find their footing early last season and started the year with a 2-5 record. They would go on to post an 8-9-1 overall record and a 5-4-1 mark in conference play, clinching them a sixth-seed playoff berth. Third-seeded USMMA toppled SJC 4-0 in the first round of the playoffs.

The Returners: Lugris has the benefit of welcoming back Skyline Conference Offensive Player of the Year Rayneri Ruiz for his senior season. The forward tallied 12 goals and two assists for 26 points in 2018. He is joined in attack by fellow senior Damian Duda, who scored seven times and added six assists for 20 points and a Skyline All-Conference Second-Team selection for the second year running.

The Golden Eagles also return starting keeper Tyler Flaherty, defenders Joel Ulloa and Jayvid Parra as well as midfielder Alex Tarach.

The Newcomers: A total of 10 newcomers join the SJC ranks including seven freshmen. Lugris and his staff have been impressed with their integration into the team and expect them to play integral roles.

Expectations: Many players on the current roster were a part of the 2017 team that lost to Mt. St. Mary in the Skyline Conference Finals. Now seniors, players like Ruiz, Duda and Parra will be motivated to claim a conference title before graduating. Lugris and the staff believe the talent is there but it will come down to execution.

When they begin: The Golden Eagles open their season on Monday, September 2 when they host Western Conn. State at Danzi Stadium at 1:00 pm. Skyline Conference play opens on Tuesday, September 17 at Yeshiva (time TBA).