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Clarkson University Athletics

2023 CU Men's Soccer Preview

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Ben Moeller

Men's Soccer | 8/30/2023 12:00:00 PM

A record-breaking start to the 2022 season last year achieved a national-ranking for the Clarkson University Men's Soccer team, but the grueling Liberty League slate saw the Golden Knights come up short of a playoff spot, something that the Green and Gold will look to gain in 2023.

Guided by first-year head coach Augusto Lima and new assistant Colby Walker, the Golden Knights return a significant portion of last year's team, including the majority of the standout defense, as the team opens play this weekend at Plattsburgh State.

It rarely mattered which of the two first-year collegians stood between the goal posts last season, as both Carter Kladstrup and Josh Morelli showed plenty of promise for Clarkson. Kladstrup had nine starts and had a 0.78 goals against average (second in the Liberty League) with five shutouts and an .806 save percentage, while Morelli posted four shutouts in his seven starts with an .828 save percentage and a 0.71 goals against average, a figure that would have been the best figure in the league had he played in just one more game. The duo and the rest of the Clarkson defense allowed just 12 goals in 16 games last year, ranking 27th in Division III in goals against average (0.75), 18th in shutout percentage (.562), and 43rd in save percentage (.821). Those numbers were bolstered by the ridiculous defensive start for Clarkson, where the team was the last to allow a goal in the country, opening the year with seven consecutive shutouts and 650 total scoreless minutes. First-year collegian Ivan Henwood adds to an enviable stable of goalkeepers for the Knights.  

Returning on the defensive end is a group that played more minutes than anyone else on the team. Liberty League Second-Team All-Star Christian Silvano led the team with 1400 minutes, providing a steadying influence in back with adept passes to clear the ball of Clarkson's defensive zone. Silvano was the lone freshman in the conference to make either of the first two Liberty League All-Star teams. Joining him was Kai Endo, who ranked second on the team with 1274 minutes, and Kyle Otis, who spent 1051 minutes on the pitch, as each played roles on defense and in the midfield. Several other standouts from a season ago return as well, including juniors Logan Drake and Remi Ufheil. Drake spent most of his time out on the wing and helped the Knights quickly transition from defense to offense, while Ufheil was significant off the bench when Clarkson suffered some injuries, allowing the team's defense to not skip a beat. Also looking to crack the lineup for regular minutes are Daniel Ganeles, Parker Gamble, and Tayte Wong

In the midfield, the Knights will have solid leadership from Nolan Grady and Josh Conklin, as the two combined for three goals and a pair of assists. Zachary Appel hopes to see a return to his earlier collegiate form after missing the majority of the season due to injury, and Eric McKean is expected to get more time on the pitch as a senior. Several newcomers could contribute in the midfield as well, including transfers Dylan Jasey and Luis Cervantes, as well as first-year collegian Jonathan Dereka. Clarkson has plenty of depth in the midfield, as Chris Paucar, Evan Carfrey, Tristan Gilbert, and Jay Jezioro could earn time on the pitch as well.

The Green and Gold lost grad student Bobby Guilfoil, who led the team in goals and points a year ago, so there are plenty of opportunities for others to step up to fill the role of goal scorer. Colin Wright ranked second on the team in points (seven) and goals (three) and he could very well see a jump in numbers, while second-year player Zach Shufelt scored a pair of goals a year ago. Paolo Martino played most of last season in the midfield, but his offensive punch could be utilized as well, and Jack Donnelly has also shown capable of finding the back of the net. Other talented names for the coaching staff to consider are Romano Sergi, Landon Rush, Ryan Brazell, and Brady Bell.


 
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Players Mentioned

Zachary Appel

#8 Zachary Appel

M
5' 10"
Junior
Evan Carfrey

#11 Evan Carfrey

M
5' 10"
Junior
Josh Conklin

#18 Josh Conklin

M
5' 7"
Sophomore
Jack Donnelly

#9 Jack Donnelly

F
6' 0"
Sophomore
Logan Drake

#15 Logan Drake

D
5' 11"
Sophomore
Kai Endo

#34 Kai Endo

D/M
5' 10"
Sophomore
Nolan Grady

#3 Nolan Grady

M
5' 11"
Junior
Bobby Guilfoil

#10 Bobby Guilfoil

D
6' 0"
Graduate Student
Paolo Martino

#20 Paolo Martino

D/M
5' 11"
Junior
Eric McKean

#22 Eric McKean

M
6' 0"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Zachary Appel

#8 Zachary Appel

5' 10"
Junior
M
Evan Carfrey

#11 Evan Carfrey

5' 10"
Junior
M
Josh Conklin

#18 Josh Conklin

5' 7"
Sophomore
M
Jack Donnelly

#9 Jack Donnelly

6' 0"
Sophomore
F
Logan Drake

#15 Logan Drake

5' 11"
Sophomore
D
Kai Endo

#34 Kai Endo

5' 10"
Sophomore
D/M
Nolan Grady

#3 Nolan Grady

5' 11"
Junior
M
Bobby Guilfoil

#10 Bobby Guilfoil

6' 0"
Graduate Student
D
Paolo Martino

#20 Paolo Martino

5' 11"
Junior
D/M
Eric McKean

#22 Eric McKean

6' 0"
Junior
M