GLENSIDE, Pa. - The Arcadia University men's soccer program makes its long-awaited return to the pitch Thursday night to open the 2021 season at Rutgers-Camden, kicking off an 18-game slate. The Knights, who were picked third in the MAC Freedom Preseason Coaches' Poll, will rely on a strong veteran leadership presence and a well-balanced roster under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Joe Clementi.
"We're really confident in the group we have," Clementi remarked. "At attack, we return two all-conference performers in Duncan O'Connor and Daniel Tittelmayer who complement each other nicely. Duncan is a powerful player who can finish in and around the box with both his feet and head, while Dan provides us with a creative threat - someone who can unlock a defense with his dribble penetration and passing. We are also expecting Kenneth Marshman to take another step forward and contribute to the goals column this year in the number nine role."
The Knights also look to key returners Thomas Hoy and Colin Lankau to anchor a strong midfield unit. "Hoy and Lankau make things tick for us in midfield," Clementi noted "They work very well together in being the link from our backs to forwards. They both possess great vision, can spray balls around the pitch, and have a stable defensive work-rate that's needed to play up the middle.
In the defensive third, the Knights benefit from having a mix of veteran leaders and newcomers to bring into the fold that will be brought up to speed quickly. "
Matt Berndlmaier,
Connor Wright,
Daniel Myers, and
Logan Stafford are all players who we expect to contribute to keeping teams off the scoresheet," Clementi continued. "They communicate well, cover a ton of ground, and each possess the ability to win balls in the air which is important. Bern has also really developed his game going forward and provides us an opportunity to attack from the back and get service from deeper areas."
In net, the Knights return 2019 first-team all-conference performer
Jake Varrato who aims to build on a sophomore season in which he ranked second in the MAC Commonwealth with eight shutouts. "Jake is a brick wall in goal, extremely reliable, and we can count on him to bail us out at times with incredible saves," Clementi said. "Having a goalkeeper of his quality allows the ten field players in front of him to play with high confidence."
Following Thursday's season-opener on the road, the Knights host York (Pa.) on Saturday at 1 p.m. from Jean Lenox West Field and Delran Pavilion before rounding out the homestand with Cairn on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.
