2008 Season Outlook
    Head coach Gareth Elliott
     
    Head coach Gareth Elliott
      

    Aug. 1, 2008

    Siena men's soccer is in transition heading into 2008. Gareth Elliott takes the reins as head coach, replacing Charlie Curto who had directed the program for 24 years. The last time the men's soccer program changed head coaches (1984), the North American Soccer League was still in business.

    Elliott becomes Siena's sixth head coach in program history. He arrives from the University of Rhode Island where he served as an assistant coach for five years at his alma mater, bringing a winning background to Siena, both as a player and a coach.

    The transition not only comes with the coaching change, but with the players. The Saints are losing nine letterwinners, including five starters. Some of the bigger losses are captains 2007 MAAC First Team selection Liam Welsh and 2007 MAAC Second Team pick Jason Laffin.

    "We have some holes to fill, but this program will move forward and be successful," Elliott said. "We're going to be a fit, disciplined team that competes every game. Our goal is to make the MAAC Tournament. If we get there, anything can happen."

    The Saints will look to their co-captains Ross Cardinell and Sebastien Anzevui and the other four seniors for leadership. Cardinell has played in 52 games during his career and started all 20 matches last year. Anzevui started all 18 games he played in last season and leads by example.

    Forwards

    Junior Robert DiFilippo and sophomore Joe Tavernese will see a lot of time up top. DiFilippo came off the bench in 14 games last season, recording two goals and one assist. Tavernese started nine of 19 games and scored one goal and had two assists.

     

     

    The Saints will look for freshman Matt Turcio to have an immediate impact. He is an athletic forward who recorded 47 goals and 28 assists in four years at Arlington High School.

    Elliott will look towards a variety of combinations up top to provide a scoring punch for the Saints in 2008.

    "Our forwards will have to work hard on creating and finishing chances," said Elliott.

    Midfield

    Midfield is one of the deeper positions for the Saints. Anzevui, Anthony Tagliaferri, Steve Covino and Geoff Narode are all candidates for the two center mid positions.

    In addition to anchoring the center midfield positions, Anzevui had a goal and two assists in 18 starts last season.

    "Seb is tactically our most seasoned player," says Elliott. "His experience and leadership on the field is huge for us."

    Tagliaferri tied for third on the team in scoring with three goals and an assist. Elliott looks for Tagliaferri to provide an attacking threat down the right side. Covino started 17 games and scored two goals to go along with two assists. Narode recorded one goal in 12 starts.

    "Center mid is a strong position for us," said Elliott. "Their responsibility is to create scoring chances for others as well as for themselves. It's also important for them to get back on defense and help hold our shape."

    Junior Terence Moynihan and seniors Mike DeSimone, Zach Gosse and Tagliaferri will vie for time at outside midfield.

    "Terry is the type of player who can get down the flank and serve in a good ball," said Elliott. "Zach and Mike are two players that have a tremendous work rate and are eager to finish their senior year in great fashion."

    Defense

    Sophomore Nick Viaggio and Cardinell will anchor the defense for the Saints in 2008. Viaggio and Cardinell are the only returning players to start all 20 games last year. Cardinell could see time at left back or left midfield.

    "Viaggio and Cardinell will keep us solid on defense," said Elliott. "They're both excellent 1-v-1 defenders and read the game well. Their communication will help hold the defensive shape. Ross is the type of player who gives 110% every game. His leadership qualities resonate throughout the team and that's essential for us achieving our goals."

    Sophomore Daniel Aucar, a member of the 2007 MAAC All-Rookie Team, and Joseph Tempone will also compete for starting jobs in the back. Tempone is an athletic player with the ability to play in different positions. He played 15 games last season and scored one goal.

    DeSimone and classmate Brian Woodfield could see significant time on defense. Woodfield, a solid defender, has played in 46 games during his collegiate career. DeSimone could play anywhere for the Saints because of his versatility and experience.

    Freshman David Bonzerato adds immediate depth to Siena's defense. Bonzerato arrives at Siena having played for a very competitive high school and premier club team.

    Goalkeepers

    Sophomore Steve Skonieczny, the 2007 MAAC Second Team selection at goalkeeper and Siena College's Male Rookie of the Year, is the leading contender for the starting job in goal. He made 65 saves in 18 starts last season. He had a 1.50 GAA and recorded three shutouts.

    Senior Euclide Osse and freshman Zade Haobsh are the two newcomers who round out the goalkeepers. Haobsh is a large keeper at 6-3 which makes him dominant in the air.

    Elliott is leaving every position on the field open to competition.

    "The bottom line is we're going to compete," said Elliott. "Every game is a 90-minute game and we'll be ready to play."

    Schedule

    Siena's 2008 schedule is not an easy one. Four of the team's opponents played in the NCAA Tournament last year (UMass, Central Connecticut State, Saint Peter's and Loyola); with UMass advancing all the way to the Final Four.

    The Saints open the regular-season at home against NJIT (8/30) and Buffalo (9/2).

    Siena takes its first road trip to play at UMass (9/6) and St. Francis (N.Y.) (9/11) before returning home to play Quinnipiac (9/19).

    Siena starts a three-game road trip at cross-town rival UAlbany (9/21) and then visits Central Connecticut State (9/27) and Elliott's old stomping ground, Rhode Island (10/3).

    MAAC play begins with Siena hosting Saint Peter's (10/10) and Manhattan (10/12). The Saints then travel to Rider (10/17) and Loyola (10/19).

    A three-game homestand brings Niagara (10/24), Canisius (10/26) and Marist (11/1) to Loudonville. Siena finishes the regular-season at Iona (11/7) and Fairfield (11/9).

    The MAAC Tournament is scheduled for November 14-16 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

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