QUINTIN JAMES
Staff Writer
The Fredonia men’s soccer team is looking for a bounceback season in 2015 after a disappointing end to the season last year.
When talking with seniors Paul Reinis and Sam Torrelli over the weekend, they explained the heartbeat of last year and the goals they have for this year.
Reinis plays in the midfield, on the wing, while Torrelli is starting goalkeeper for the team. Reinis has been a spot starter for a while, and he’s an offensiveminded player who loves to attack and set up his strikers for goals in the box. Torreli describes himself as the “Captain of the Back Four.” He loves to set up his defenders and be a loud voice for this young Blue Devil club.
When asked about the upcoming season, Reinis came out and said “we expect to make the playoffs. Once we get in, we can take it one game at a time.” Torrelli added that “it’s added pressure to perform.” As seniors on the team, they look to have one more chance at a playoff spot before they graduate.
Some games of interest are the home opener on Sept. 11 against Penn State Behrend, future games against Oneonta, Brockport and Buffalo State and Senior Day vs. New Paltz. The opener against Behrend will be a sight for sore eyes as the Blue Devils look for revenge.
“I want [th]em. They beat us pretty good in the spring. They walked all over us and I want to get back at him” said Reinis. Torrelli added that they are a team who will surprise people and teams this year. They are an underrated team, which will be exciting to watch.
This season the Blue Devils have a new assistant coach in Kendall McFayden. He joined the Blue Devil staff this year after coming from his alma mater, Medaille College. He’s popular with his players, and describe him as a player’s coach who, at the same time, is professional. He and the head coach combine for a coaching staff who can transform his young team into a contender. Torrelli describes him as an “older brother. He leads by example.”
Slated to be a good one, this season has all the tools to be a magical. With the combination of the coaching staff, motivated seniors and upandcoming young players, the Fredonia male soccer team should be a fun, exciting team to watch.