Salem State Picked 2nd in 2023 MASCAC Men's Soccer Pre-Season Poll

SALEM, Mass. – The Salem State men's socccer team was picked 2nd in the recently released MASCAC pre-season poll as voted on by the league's eight head coaches. The Vikings are looking for redemption this season after losing in the MASCAC semifinals a season ago.  Despite a 5-1-1 conference record and 11-5-2 overall mark, the team came up short of pre-season expectations of winning back-to-back league titles. Coach Correia, who is entering his seventh season, has built a highly successful program and the expectations of winning the conference this season has not wavered. 

SEASON OUTLOOK

Salem State has lost just once in the MASCAC regular season over the two previous seasons (12-1-1), led by a strong defensive unit that last year allowed just .071 goals per game. 2023 won't be an exception as once again the defense will be led by one of the best in the MASCAC, captain and All-MASCAC first teamer Dylan Senra (Dartmouth, Mass.). Added Senra, "As a program,  [we] are consistently raising our standards and expect to compete for a MASCAC championship year after year. High expectations are what make a semifinal exit like last season heartbreaking, yet motivating. 

When I think about the upcoming season, the word that comes to mind is redemption. This squad returns 21 of its players, 11 of which will be seniors. With the addition of a few high level recruits. I believe there is no doubt that this team has the potential to win the conference tournament and represent the MASCAC in the NCAA Tournament."     

Keeper Matt Hauntsman (Milford, N.H.) is also back. The senior, who is a two-time All-MASCAC selection, has posted back-to-back 10 win seasons with 14 shutouts. On offense, the Vikings return one of the league's top scorers, former transfer Brendan Davis (Dracut, Mass.), who earned first-team recognition in 2022. Davis led Salem State with 10 goals a season ago and finished second in the league with 21 points and topped the MASCAC with five-game winning goals.  

Coach's Take

"Our program has been to three conference finals in five seasons, winning two. The expectation is to win. I know that losing in the semifinals last year has been motivating and fueling our returners. We felt like we were good enough last season, but ultimately we weren't ready. If we do things right, this team just like the others, has the ability to achieve what other great Salem teams have done in the past. 

We added a few pieces that should help; ultimately it will be our experience that we lean on. We look forward to this season and the opportunity we will have to chase another MASCAC title."

- Head Coach Matt Correia

2023 New Players to Watch

Vanilton Xavier (Brockton, Mass.) - Transfer Assumption College 

Landon Picillo (Warwick, R.I.) - Bishop Hendricken, All-State, All-New England  

Season Opener

Salem State opens the season on the road against Lasell on Friday, September 1 @ 4:00pm 

2023 MASCAC Pre-Season Poll