Posted: Aug 25, 2022

Men's Soccer Predicted to Repeat, Named Pre-Season Favorite in MASCAC Coaches Pre-Season Poll

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State men's soccer will begin the 2022 season right where they left off 2021, in the top spot of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) standings, as the newly released MASCAC Men's Soccer Pre-Season Coaches Poll confirms the Vikings are once again the early season favorite to repeat as conference champions. Salem State received (49) points, including seven first place votes, outdistancing last year's conference runner-up, Framingham State (42) points, which earned one first place vote.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Vikings finished 13-6-1 in 2021, claiming their third league crown and second MASCAC post-season-championship during head coach Matt Correia's five-year tenure. The three-time coach of the year led Salem State to a 7-0 conference record, completing a third straight unbeaten regular season (20-0-1). The Vikings then held eventual national champion Connecticut College without a goal in the NCAA Tournament opening round. However, despite a scoreless regulation and two overtimes, the Camels escaped, advancing after edging Salem State in penalty kicks.

Once again, defense will take precedence, as Salem State has produced one of the top units in the region over the past several seasons. Two-time MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Filetti will spearhead a deep and talented backline that has made scoring a difficult proposition for conference opponents. The Vikings did not all allow a goal during all seven regular season conference matchups and with All-MASCAC First Team Keeper Matt Hauntsman, who had eight shutouts a season ago, returning in net, look for a tenacious Salem State defense to once again be dominant.

On offense, the Vikings lost a key contributor with reigning MASCAC Player and Rookie of the Year Kendy Prince, who led the team with 20 goals, which placed him in the top-10 nationally, not returning. However, Salem State All-MASCAC First Team midfielder Aaron O'Toole is back to facilitate the offense. The junior tied for the league-lead in assists (7) while adding five goals. Salem State will lean on veterans M-Dylan Senra, M-George Zuleta and D-James Meli, who combined for 38 starts last season to provide experience and leadership as the team will look to fill the void left by Prince's absence.

Coach Correia expects transfers Brendan Davis (Stonehill) and Brendan Walsh (Quinsigamond CC) to carry the attack while newcomer Felipe DeSouza will have an opportunity early to showcase his offensive skill. Salem State will need to find its identity on offense quickly as the Vikings will face early tests against regional powers Wheaton on September 3 and at Tufts on September 13.

Coach's Take

"With our program the standard is always high. We expect to be competing for a league title every year, despite the turnover. And this year there is plenty of turnover. 50% of our roster will be made up of newcomers. We will rely on our returners to assist the new guys in the transition. We expect our returners as a whole to really set the tone for this team. Hopefully we can peak at the right time and compete at a high enough level to defend our title come November.

We return three first team all-conference players in Matt Hauntsman, Patrick Filetti, and Aaron O'Toole. As well as returning players who have plenty of experience in George Zuleta, Dylan Senra, and James Meli. These players will be leaders for us and really help some of the new guys understand what it means to compete at a championship level."

2022 New Players to Watch

Brendan Davis- Forward- Dracut, MA- Transfer from Stonehill College

Cole Hay- Defender- Manchester, MA- Transfer from Hobart College

Brendan Walsh- Midfielder- Westford, MA- Transfer from Quinsigamond Community College

Season Opener

Salem State opens the season at home on Thursday, September 1 against Lasell @ 7:00 PM.

2022 MASCAC Men's Soccer Coaches Pre-Season Poll

1. Salem State (7) 49 points

2. Framingham State (1) 42 points

3. Bridgewater State 38 points

4. Worcester State 27 points

5. MCLA 22 points