Men's Soccer Sits Atop MASCAC Coaches Pre-Season Poll
SALEM, Mass. – The Salem State men's soccer team was selected first overall in the newly released MASCAC Men's Soccer Pre-Season Coaches Poll on Thursday. The Vikings, who tied for the regular season title in 2019, are primed to win their first outright conference title since 2017.
Salem State returns three All-MASCAC players, midfielder Lucas Amaral (Peabody, Mass.), Damon Deocleciano (Lowell, Mass.) and former MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Filetti (Newburyport, Mass.). One of the top mids in the conference, Amaral, a two-time all-conference performer netted five goals and five assists during his sophomore season. "We have some unfinished business from the 2019 season. A full year off has everyone very eager to play again and with this group, we should reach our goal which is a championship."
Deocleciano and Filleti helped Salem State to a league-best eight shutouts and a 0.83 goals against average in 2019. The all-conference players anchored a defense that gave up just 17 goals in 19 games (11-5-3) two seasons ago.
Fifth-year head coach Matt Correia once again has a talented team that is capable of returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017. "Our goal is the same as always, to win the MASCAC Championship and get back to the NCAA Tournament. We will lean on our experience to help us get there. Our five seniors: Amaral, Orlando Rodrigues, Deocleciano, Joao DeSouza, and Fabricio Torres have all played significant minutes throughout their careers here and will be key in leading our team this season.
In addition to the returning upperclassmen, newcomers Kendy Prince (Medford, Mass. - Medford HS) and Cam Downer (Dracut, Mass. - Dracut HS) , both Eastern MASS All-Stars in high school complement a roster comprised of proven and experience and youth.
Salem State opens their season at home on Wednesday, September 1 against UMass Dartmouth @ 4:00 PM.
2021 MASCAC Men's Soccer Pre-Season Coaches Poll (First Place Votes In Parentheses)
1. Salem State (5) 47 points
2. Bridgewater State (2) 41 points
2. Framingham State (1) 41 points
4. Worcester State 25 points
5. Westfield State 25 points
6. Fitchburg State 16 points
7. Massachusetts Maritime 16 points
8. MCLA 13 points